On January 28, Mental Health Association (MHA) was proud to be part of two powerful Project Homeless Connect events, one in Essex County and one in Morris County, each grounded in a shared commitment to dignity, access, and community for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Across both counties, Project Homeless Connect served as more than a resource fair. It was a reminder of what’s possible when compassion, collaboration, and community come together.
Essex County Project Homeless Connect
MHA participated in the 20th Annual Project Homeless Connect in Essex County, a milestone event that brought together more than 65 community and faith-based organizations to serve over 300 individuals in one day.
Attendees were welcomed into a space designed to provide support with care and dignity, with access to a wide range of free services, including, hot meals, haircuts, health screenings, public assistance enrollment, mental health and employment services, giveaways and essential supplies.
MHA staff spent the day connecting directly with community members, sharing information about our programs, and distributing helpful resources to support both immediate needs and longer-term stability.
We extend our sincere thanks to Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones for their continued leadership and support of initiatives that uplift our most vulnerable neighbors.
Morris County Project Homeless Connect
That same day, Project Homeless Connect Morris County returned to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown, welcoming more than 100 attendees.
Organized by MHA’s Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Morris County team in partnership with the County of Morris, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the event brought together dozens of community-based providers offering free, on-site resources such as health and wellness services, food and clothing, personal care items, and essential supplies designed to support immediate needs and long-term stability.
The event opened with remarks underscoring the importance of collaboration and compassion in addressing homelessness. Speakers included Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Father Rob Picken of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers, and MHA CEO Robert N. Davison, each emphasizing the critical role Project Homeless Connect plays in creating pathways to housing, care, and recovery.
One of the most impactful moments of the day came through a consumer testimonial, offering a firsthand perspective on resilience, perseverance, and the life-changing power of supportive services.
A Shared Commitment Across Counties
While each event reflected the unique needs of its community, both Project Homeless Connect gatherings reinforced the same truth: when service providers, volunteers, faith leaders, and local officials work together, real change happens.
We are deeply grateful to the volunteers, community partners, speakers, and county leaders who made these events possible, and who continue to show up for our neighbors with compassion and purpose.
Together, across Essex and Morris Counties, we are building stronger, more responsive communities where everyone has access to care, connection, and the opportunity to thrive.