For Immediate Release:
January 18, 2019

County prepares for NJ Counts 2019
Jan. 23 event to provide services to area homeless in four towns

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ – On Wednesday, Jan. 23, a team of volunteers and County staff will be in Asbury Park, Freehold, Keansburg and Red Bank meeting with people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless and encouraging them to seek services and resources.

Citizens without a permanent residence or who are at risk of being homeless are encouraged to participate in Monmouth County’s 2019 NJ Counts, formally known as Project Homeless Connect, event by visiting one of these locations on Wednesday, Jan. 23:

· Asbury Park – Jersey Shore Rescue Mission, 701 Memorial Dr., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

· Freehold – New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, 133 Throckmorton St., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

· Keansburg – St. Mark’s Soup Kitchen, 247 Carr Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

· Red Bank – Pilgrim Baptist Church, 172 Shrewsbury Ave., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Additionally, there is mobile outreach available to those who are unable to visit these locations.

Those who participate will be asked to provide information and will be offered food, clothing and various services, including free health screenings and employment services.

This event coincides with the annual Point in Time Survey, a nationwide effort driven by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to get an accurate snapshot of the homeless in America. The Point in Time Survey will ask individuals where they spent the night of Jan. 22 and several other related questions to quantify the level of homelessness in the County and to help get people services that they need.

Statewide, the event is being coordinated by the not-for-profit organization Monarch Housing Associates that works to fulfill the vision that every person will have quality affordable, permanent housing that fosters freedom, independence and community integration.

Locally, the annual countywide event helps gather information about individuals who are experiencing homelessness and offers information and services available through the County’s Department of Human Services, Health Department and not-for-profit organizations.

NJ Counts fulfills the HUD requirement that the County complete an annual count. For more information about NJ Counts, contact the Monmouth County Department of Human Services at 732-683-2102.

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