Homeless Encampment Issue At Summit Post Office Addressed By Officials

SUMMIT, NJ — An overnight homeless encampment that cropped up in the Summit post office causing public health and community safety concerns — including unsanitary conditions and odor issues — prompted authorities to take action.

On Friday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, MD, stopped by the Summit Post Office, inspecting its vestibule after office hours were recently changed to address the issues.

The post office had been struggling with a growing homeless encampment in the vestibule bringing issues like human waste, littering, a persistent odor, which created a hazardous and unhygienic environment for the community.

Fagan contacted Kean about the issue who then reached out to the U.S. Postal Service, requesting changes to the operation hours of the facility to limit public access during late night and early morning hours when the encampment was most active.

In response, the post office adjusted its hours which helped reduce the frequency of homeless people seeking shelter around the property. New signage will be posted soon.

"Homelessness is a complex issue that requires thoughtful solutions and compassionate outreach," said Kean. "I am pleased to see the progress we have
made for the residents of Summit and their local post office. With the adjusted hours of operation, the needs of public health and community safety of our neighbors, post office staff, and our local police will be addressed. By working together, we have found a solution that benefits the City of Summit and ensures the post office remains clean and safe for residents and staff."

"Thank you to Congressman Kean for his swift action in addressing the concerns raised by our community," said Fagan. "His responsiveness and willingness to collaborate with the city to resolve this issue demonstrates the power of working together at all levels of government to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents, workers, and visitors."

During his tenure in the New Jersey Senate, Kean sponsored the first-ever statewide "Code Blue" law in New Jersey that directed every county to have a plan in place to shelter at-risk individuals in freezing weather.

Kean also sponsored a later law to ensure that those who turned to a warming center for shelter are also given access to lifesaving healthcare and social services.

"In this instance at the Summit Post Office, we have to protect the safety of Summit residents and postal workers," said Kean. "My office has worked to help individuals facing homeless finding services and obtaining assistance both from federal, state, and local agencies. For those facing homelessness, please call 211, go to NJ211.org, and reach out to my office where my casework staff will connect constituents with appropriate resources."