Change In NJ Law Can Help Get Hoboken's Homeless Out Of The Cold

HOBOKEN — For many years, police and social workers have been stymied in their attempts to help homeless people get off the street in cold weather. Under the state's past Code Blue law, counties could provide extra help and shelter for homeless residents if temperatures dropped below 32 degrees when accompanied by precipitation, or 25 degrees or colder without precipitation. Some felt the laws weren't broad enough.

A law signed by the governor on Tuesday, from bills sponsored by State Senators Robert Singer and Tom Kean (S-3422 and S-3511), allows the authorities to act when it's 32 degrees or below, regardless of precipitation. It also provides social and health services to homeless people who seek help at a warming center.

Hoboken and nearby Jersey City both have homeless shelters, but many of the area's homeless avoid them for various reasons, or are unable to get to them. Some of the homeless residents linger at train stations, on benches, or in shacks on the Palisade hills in Jersey City Heights, Union City, and Hoboken. Two weeks ago, a man was found dead on the cliffs, one of several men who've found dead in that area in the last ten years.

A study revealed in July that Jersey City has approximately 421 homeless individuals, and Hoboken has approximately 126. However, the number only represents people who were counted in one survey on Jan. 22, and organizers said the population could be much higher.

The change in law was spurred by a situation in Toms River in which homeless residents were able to stay in shelters on Christmas Eve, 2018, because the temperature and weather met the standard, but they ended up having to leave the next day. Officials took action to broaden the law.

The new law lays out guidelines for volunteers, health care services for the homeless, and other specifics. When a county emergency management coordinator declares a Code Blue, police can look for at-risk individuals. To read more abut the new law, click here.

In Hudson County, the homeless can also call a hotline for help: 800-624-0287. To find out if a Code Blue has been declared, or to get more information, call 211.

You can also find out more about a Code Blue, homeless shelters in each county, and a homeless individual's rights by clicking here.