HACKENSACK, N.J., January 27, 2016 – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development today joined Bergen County for its 10th annual “Project Homeless Connect” to assist and link people experiencing homelessness with access to health services, legal advice, social services and employment assistance. The event coincides with the Point-in-Time survey, an annual count of the homeless by various agencies and volunteers.

“My department is pleased to again join Bergen County in helping people on their journey back from hard times,” said Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths. “We are committed to helping individuals find work by assisting them in creating resumes, circulating their profile to employers and getting them into training programs to set them on the path to self-sufficiency.”
 
Attendees received information on the Department of Labor’s employment services for veterans and individuals with disabilities, as well as information about employment and training services offered by the department. Staff members from the Department of Labor were on hand to assist with creating resumes and to share information about training programs that could assist individuals in becoming employed.
 
Other agencies at the “Project Homeless Connect” provided legal advice, housing assistance, information on Medicaid, HIV counseling, flu shots, health screenings, haircuts, warm clothing and gift bags with donated gift cards and personal hygiene items. Breakfast, lunch and dinner also were provided to event visitors at the day-long event, along with dental, blood and glucose screenings.
 
The event, held at the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center on South River Street, assists an estimated 300 people each year.
                                              

Senior Counselor Joseph Homer explains the services available at the Bergen County One-Stop
Career Center at today’s Project Homeless Connect event held at the Bergen County Housing,
Health and Human Services Center in Hackensack.