Summit NJ Task Force Tackles Homelessness Issue

SUMMIT, NJ – During the recent Common Council meeting, Mayor Elizabeth Fagen, MD updated the community on the progress of the special Task Force on Homelessness, an initiative she launched last spring to address the issue .

Fagan noted 25 people representing a broad range of interests began to meet on June 17, and have met 11 times already this summer.

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“The group has broad representation from police, fire, EMS, Bridges, Warm Hearts, clergy, Family Promise, Bridgeway, Overlook Hospital, downtown Summit business owners and Summit residents,” Fagan said.

She went on to say “After two initial meetings, the committee has broken down into five subgroups and those focus on families, individuals engaged in case management, individuals refusing case management, data and prevention and diversion and housing.

“Summit Police and Case Management have been conducting weekly outreach to individuals not engaged to connect the homeless with case management,” the Mayor said.

New Jersey’s homeless population increased by 17 percent, to more than 10,000 people in 2023 – the highest it’s been since 2015, according to Monarch Housing Associates, the nonprofit that organizes an annual survey reporting on the issue.

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"Homelessness affects the security and comfort of our entire community, and the situation in our downtown has raised valid concerns among our residents," said Mayor Fagan when she addressed the need for the task force last spring.  "The formation of this Task Force is a crucial step toward making Summit a safer, more inclusive community where everyone has access to the support they need."

Leah Griffith, the chairperson leading the Task Force, will provide a “full briefing” at an upcoming council meeting, according to the Mayor.

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