This New Jersey County Was The 1st In The U.S. To End Chronic Homelessness

The third entry in NPR’s series “The Fight to Reduce Homelessness” examines the success of Bergen County, New Jersey, which, in 2016 and 2017 respectively, was certified as having eradicated veteran homelessness and then chronic homelessness. Bergen County established a multi-pronged approach to help facilitate their success: have one central facility (the Housing Health and Human Services Center), nurture close relationships with local landlords, the creation of a county-wide trust established to “fill the gaps” when services are needed and now, a young-adult task force and council comprised of homeless young people.