Every January, homeless services organizations that receive HUD funding conduct a count of people experiencing homelessness, needing hundreds of volunteers to complete the count. HUD staff stepped up to assist in this vital activity that helps determine the required funding in local communities to provide for individuals and families without a home.

In New Jersey, HUD Regional Administrator Alicka Ampry-Samuel and HUD staff volunteered at Essex County’s 18th Project Homeless Connect Day event hosted by County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, where homeless residents connected with services to assist homeless youth, veterans, victims of domestic violence, and residents in need of medical, mental, and behavioral health care. The County Board of Social Services, Senior Services, Community Action, Employment Services, and other offices were on hand to assist attendees.

Thank you to all HUD staff that volunteered for this year’s Point in Time Count: From the New Jersey Field Office: A/Field Office Director Carleton Lewis, from CPD: Nadine Azari; OGC: Patricia Celano and Donna Alkin; and from PIH: Fatimah Holder, Melissa Burrows-Bennett, and Jennifer Williams. HUD FHEO Newark’s Lena Mitchell volunteered at Coming Home in Middlesex County, New Jersey.

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