PARSIPPANY — A recent online report identified Morris County as one of the wealthiest counties in New Jersey, with its median household income of almost $135,000 a year.
Yet many of its residents experience financial struggles, food insecurity and even homelessness, and those who do are often desperate for help.
Fortunately, local officials say, there’s a wide array of support services for those who need it. Many of the government and nonprofit agencies dedicated to providing those services – 45 in all – gathered last week to strengthen their connections, network and share information.
“Morris County may be one of the wealthiest counties in the country, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have problems,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, who represents much of the county in the 25th district.
The daylong event took place outside the Interfaith Food Pantry near Central Park of Morris County. Dozens of agencies and nonprofits, including the Morris County Department of Human Services, set up tables and tents to form a farmer’s market-style presentation, with participants eagerly visiting each other for literature, tips and conversation.
“Today’s goal is to strengthen connections between our public officials and the many nonprofits that serve our most vulnerable residents,” Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers said. “Events like this allow us to better understand the challenges faced by our community and work together to meet those needs.”
Slept in a Chevelle, now a lawmaker
For Dunn, the issue hits home. Speaking to a morning gathering of participants, she shared her own story of a turbulent childhood in New York, finances forcing her family to move frequently and for a brief time sleeping in their car.
“By the time I was in the sixth grade at the age of 12, I had moved 14 times, all within New York City proper,” she recalled. “Fourteen different schools. Needless to say there was a lot of tension in my home. One night, we did sleep in my mother’s Chevelle. I carry that with me to the Legislature when we’re working on these policies.”
Dunn went on to work for former Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen before winning an Assembly seat in 2019. By then, she had already started to give back to those who shared struggles similar to her’s.
“Before ever even thinking of being in elected office, I sat in this room as an advisory board member for Morris County’s Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory Board,” she said.
She addressed a room of about 100 support providers and said, “Thank you for all you do. I’m there for you. I view this as a partnership. In many ways, our poverty and struggle are less visible than in other parts of the state, and because we have such strong models for social services, funding isn’t always prioritized. My job is to relentlessly fight for that funding, and today is about raising visibility.”
The event was hosted by the county Human Services Department, in partnership with groups and agencies including the Morris County Continuum of Care, Family Promise of Morris County and the Interfaith Food Pantry Network. Participants also included the county Office of Temporary Assistance, Navigating Hope and the Hope One mobile unit, offering on-site support and resources.
“Whether you’re serving at the state, federal or local level, take this opportunity to connect with those around you and strengthen your community,” said Human Services Director Kasey Errico.
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Connect to help with A.L.I.C.E., NJ211
Presentations included two speakers representing key resources for those seeking critical services. Jodi Miciak of United Way of Northern New Jersey presented on United for A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), which focuses on individuals who earn too much to qualify for public assistance but still struggle to make ends meet.
The NJ211 website platform, which serves as a central access point for human services in New Jersey through phone, text and online portals, was demonstrated by Kevin Donahue, chief operating officer for the newly enhanced platform.
Keynote speaker Elise Bryant shared her own journey from homelessness to advocacy. She is now a board member of the Morris Continuum of Care, a planning group that helps to guide social service efforts in the area.
“We must choose to support those who are less fortunate, and today is about making those connections and ensuring no one in our community is left behind,” said Bryant, who is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology while advocating for seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities.
William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com
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This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: In wealthy NJ country, groups gather to address hunger, homelessness
