Newark Cops, Homeless Advocate Find Shelter For Man In Tent

NEWARK, NJ — Police and a social service advocate found a homeless man shelter after he was spotted living in a tent beneath an overpass in Newark last week.

According to the Newark Police Department, a pair of community service officers in the 3rd Precinct were called to the intersection of Lafayette and McCarter Highway after getting reports about a homeless person who had set up a tent on the walkway.

With the aid of an advocate with the Newark Homeless Coalition, the officers were able to make sure the man found help and got shelter, authorities said.

• See related article: Essex County Has Most Homeless In NJ; Evictions Played A Big Role
• See related article: Homeless Outreach Events Coming To Newark, Orange, Irvington

Their joint effort may have come just in the nick of time. Just days later, the city activated its “Code Blue” alert, which kicks in when temperatures are predicted to plummet below 25 degrees without rain or snow, and 32 degrees with precipitation or a zero-degree wind chill factor.

During a Code Blue in Newark, several shelters offer those in need a place to stay warm (see the list below).

NEWARK POLICE AND 'SOCIAL INTERVENTION'

It isn’t unusual for police officers in Newark to find themselves on calls that have nothing to do with crime.

Last year, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said that about 25 percent of the calls Newark police get are for "social intervention."

• See related article: 9 Homeless People Found Living Under Highway Overpass In Newark
• See related article: Shoeless In A Rainstorm: Newark Cops Assist Boy With Autism
• See related article: Newark Cops Rescue Suicidal Teen: 'Hold On, Brother, We Care'

In June of 2020, city officials announced that Newark will use almost $12 million to create a new Office of Violence Prevention, that will include a range of social services and serve as a place where in-need residents can get a helping hand.

The city will re-channel about 5 percent of its policing budget to pay for it. No officers will be laid off, officials said.

• See related article: Newark Will Take $12M From Police, Reinvest In Social Services

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know about a local organization that should be profiled, contact eric.kiefer@patch.com.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.