As Atlantic County Prosecutor for nearly 27 months, I have seen firsthand the struggles faced by our homeless and at-risk populations, particularly in Atlantic City. This role has taken me beyond the courtroom, bringing me to the streets and under the famed Atlantic City boardwalk. I’ve participated in over 59 outreach events, often before the sun rises, meeting with individuals facing homelessness. Alongside my team, I have attended more than 80 meetings with community stakeholders who are equally committed to addressing this critical issue.
One undeniable truth has emerged during this time: the homeless and at-risk populations are the most vulnerable members of our society. They endure violence, both as victims and witnesses, and are often forced to commit crimes out of sheer necessity. While many of these offenses are low-level, the intersection of substance abuse and untreated mental illness frequently leads to more serious, violent incidents. Moreover, homeless individuals are incredibly difficult to reach, making the prosecution of criminals and the administration of justice an ongoing challenge. Homeless defendants rarely attend court willingly and struggle to comply with treatment plans or other conditions of release, which only adds to the burden on our courts, law enforcement, and jails.
Currently, Atlantic City’s homeless population remains stagnant at around 250 individuals, many of whom are ignored by society, left to face their most basic needs alone. Whether their struggles stem from addiction, mental health issues, or poverty, the most pressing need is stability—both in their personal lives and in their environments. The key to addressing this issue is transitional housing, followed by access to longer-term housing solutions. These are not luxuries, but critical necessities to restore dignity and hope.
Unfortunately, our community has failed to address this issue effectively, much like cities across the nation. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the problem, leaving many without safe, stable shelter. The Atlantic City Rescue Mission, for example, has the capacity for 300 beds, yet only 30 to 50 are usable due to facility conditions. Similarly, the Atlantic City Housing Authority has over 130 uninhabitable units due to code violations. These systemic failures contribute to the continuation of homelessness.
However, it does not have to be this way. Successful models from places like Bergen County and Newark show that providing immediate housing, without preconditions, can significantly reduce homelessness. Newark, for example, has seen a 58% reduction in homelessness by using innovative solutions like purchasing hotels and transforming them into shelters. Houston, Texas, has also made great strides through its “Housing First” initiative, which streamlined services under a unified organization, The Way Home.
In Atlantic City, organizations like AtlantiCare are leading the way by taking action. Their mental health programs and court diversion efforts, such as Opt for Hope and Help, are making real strides. Yet, more needs to be done. Public health is inherently linked to public safety. When we allow homelessness, addiction, and mental illness to persist, we are endangering the safety and well-being of the entire community.
To end homelessness in Atlantic City, we must begin by treating those affected with dignity and compassion. This means providing access to basic healthcare, housing, and wrap-around services like addiction treatment and job support. The longer we wait, the more people will fall through the cracks. But with the right collaboration—between government agencies, healthcare providers, non-profits, and residents—this issue is solvable.
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