Monarch Housing Associates’ annual point-in-time count reveals that 8,754 men, women and children were homeless in New Jersey in 2022, an increase from the previous year. The count is conducted during a single night every January and identifies people living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, safe havens, on the streets or at other locations not considered fit for living. Essex County had far and away the highest rate of homelessness at 22%. The next highest was in nearby Hudson County with 8%.
The report also gives a snapshot of the racial disparities in homelessness. Black people in New Jersey represent about 12% of the population but about 48% of those experiencing homelessness. Advocates warn the count isn’t exact and faced barriers due to pandemic-related limits on in-person surveys.
