Like in most major cities, homelessness in Hoboken has been a top metropolitan issue for many years. In fact, the entirety of Hudson County has a relatively high proportion of homeless people compared to other counties, ranking second in the state of New Jersey and averaging over 800 people. Specifically, about one in every seven of the homeless population in Hudson County reside in Hoboken and more than half of these people live in unsheltered conditions. A 2019 report by NJ Counts, the annual report on homelessness and issues faced by the homeless population, showed that monthly incomes of homeless families range from $200 (from people living in emergency shelters) to $1200 (from people living in transitional housing). Reports also show that more than half of the homeless community have been homeless for a year to over three years.
There are a variety of causes for homelessness, such as loss of income from employment, eviction or risk of eviction, being forced out of a shared residence, and relocation. It is evident that these problems are growing as homelessness rates have increased in the past four years. NJ Counts also recognizes that among the homeless of Hudson County, deep racial and ability distinctions are prevalent. On average, people identifying as Black or African-American and Latino or Hispanic are overrepresented in the homeless population. Furthermore, a majority of the homeless have a disability of some nature, including mental health issues, substance abuse, physical disorders, developmental disorders, chronic disabilities, and health conditions.
While homelessness in Hoboken has been prevalent for years, local and state lawmakers have been putting in efforts to mitigate this concern. The city of Hoboken has a pilot plan called the “Homelessness Initiative” to alleviate the devastating effects of homelessness. Hoboken has allocated $250,000 to provide housing and support to the homeless. The city has also outlined “10 Compassionate Steps” that can be taken by all members of the community to aid the homeless in a variety of fashions.
State lawmakers have also been producing change. In the past, through the NJ Code Blue Law, homeless residents were provided with extra shelter when the temperature was less than 32 degrees with moisture and 25 degrees or colder without moisture. However, many were displeased with these regulations, stating that the weather conditions required for shelter were far too harsh. Due to this, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that allows shelter to be given to the homeless when the temperature falls below 32 degrees regardless of weather conditions. This law was inspired in part by events that occurred in Toms River, NJ, on Christmas Eve in 2018, where, after being allowed in a shelter for the night, homeless people were asked to leave the next day because the weather no longer met the required conditions.
Ultimately, it is clear that Hoboken and New Jersey are fighting to relieve the homeless from dangerous temperatures and weather conditions. Hoboken currently has a homeless shelter, The Hoboken Shelter, that provides meals, shelter, and other services. Their goals are to provide the homeless with the tools to secure employment and totally abolish homelessness. The shelter accepts donations, specific foods, supplies, and toiletries, and encourages residents to speak out and spread awareness about homelessness. Lawmakers have listened to the public and made great strides in providing programming and help for the homeless; manifestly, the city has put in great energy to combat the obstacles surrounding homelessness. As always, more can be done, but many residents of Hoboken and Hudson County are pleased with the progress so far and are enthusiastic to see conditions continue to improve for their homeless neighbors.
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