Cape May County panel proposes nearly $300,000 first‑phase homelessness initiative

An ad hoc committee convened by the Board of County Commissioners proposed a two‑phase homelessness strategy July 8 that county officials said would begin with a Phase 1 package carrying an economic commitment of just under $300,000.
Commissioner John Morey, chairing the committee, told the board the Cape May County Collaborative Homeless Services Initiative is designed to build on existing county and nonprofit work rather than create a new, separate program. “The recommendations are not seeking to reinvent the wheel but rather to work in a collaborative effort with these groups and are divided into two phases,” he said.
Phase 1, which Morey said is ready for implementation, includes three primary components: supplemental funding for the county’s Homeless Trust Fund Prevention Program with added support for a formal diversion program; additional funding for the Division of Social Services’ General Assistance (GA) Transition to Employment Housing Assistance Program; and creation of emergency motel placements for residents not eligible for emergency assistance, to be used by partner agencies already providing case management. Morey said a potential fourth component focused on mental health and substance use disorders will be considered later.
Phase 2 would involve developing a combined master‑leasing, permanent supportive housing and intensive case management model but, Morey said, it requires more research and partner commitments and is expected to be presented in November. “Phase 1 is ready for implementation and has an economic commitment of just under $300,000. The plan now that the recommendations have been presented to the Board is to send to resolution at the next meeting,” Morey said.
Commissioner Jeff Barr, a committee member, said the recommendations are a starting point and said he is “very proud of” the committee’s work and “very excited to introduce the Master Leasing Program in the fall.” No formal vote on funding occurred at the July 8 meeting; Morey indicated a resolution will be introduced at the next meeting for board consideration.