FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 27, 2026
Media Contact:
Derek Sands
201-250-6080
DSands@BergenCountyNJ.gov
ADVISORY – HACKENSACK – WEDNESDAY
BERGEN COUNTY TO HOLD 20th ANNUAL PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT AND POINT-IN-TIME SURVEY TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS
HACKENSACK, NJ – Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Board of Commissioners and the Department of Human Services have announced that the 20th Annual Project Homeless Connect (PHC) will be held on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. This event will take place at the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center, 120 South River Street in Hackensack from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Project Homeless Connect is a one-day countywide effort designed to improve access to resources and to increase awareness of the issues confronting our homeless and at-risk residents. It also promotes collaboration between our non-profit, public, private, and individual volunteers in the effort to end homelessness. While the PHC is held annually, the Bergen County Departments and Divisions work year-long with our community partners and local organizations to serve those most in need of help.
On January 28th, 2026, information and referrals will be available from providers including the County resources, as well as medical services including flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and boosters. Additionally, there will be information related to housing, legal services, job readiness, and mental healthcare available.
In conjunction with PHC, the Point-in-Time (PIT) survey will be conducted and will provide a snapshot of households in the county that are experiencing homelessness or may be at risk of homelessness. During the survey, trained staff and volunteers will go out into the community and reach those individuals and families to provide them with critical information and assistance, as well as collect important demographic data and information. The results of the survey will help determine the best allocation of resources and will allow the county to further advocate for additional resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The County of Bergen is the first community in the nation to reach and sustain functional zero for chronic homelessness. The County also is the first community in New Jersey (28th in the nation) to achieve the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness. Bergen County is one of only a handful of communities in the USA to be recognized by HUD, USUCH and the VA as a double-zero community (for successfully establishing a crisis response system to end homelessness among chronic and veteran persons experiencing homelessness).
**Media interested in photo opportunities are recommended to arrive between 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to receive guided tours of the facility and services being provided.
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