In Trenton, Homelessness and Harsh Weather Demand Action

By Crystal Feliciano, Trenton City Councilwoman At-Large

Homelessness is not an abstract policy issue in the City of Trenton. It is something we see every day, whether we travel by the train station, near City Hall, under various overpasses, in our parks, or in the doorways of our downtown businesses. These are our neighbors, and when extreme weather hits, their lives and in some cases, their pets’ lives, are put at even greater risk.

Considering the unhoused population in the city, I was very pleased to learn that Senate Bill 4832, sponsored by Senators Nicholas P. Scutari and Troy Singleton, has been passed and enacted into law.  I believe strongly that as the administration prepares for the next budget cycle, this must be taken into strong consideration. 

Additionally, our city has experienced increasingly dangerous weather patterns in recent years, including bitter cold snaps in winter, like the one we are experiencing this week, excessive heat in summer, and severe storms that flood low-lying areas of the city. When we think about people without a place to call home, these conditions are not mere inconveniences but threats to survival and can even be deadly. 

Senate Bill 4832 takes an important step toward addressing homelessness by strengthening coordination between the state and municipalities, improving access to services, and supporting longer-term housing solutions; however, it will only work if implemented at the local level. 

Last night, at the Trenton Citi Stat meeting, the administration presented to the public precautions that residents should take into consideration for the upcoming storm forecast for this weekend. My concern remains that while information will reach those present at the meeting or with access to social media or Gov Pilot, we must still reach those who lack access or are without shelter.  

The unhoused are not homeless by choice; they are homeless due to circumstances. For our most vulnerable in the city, our seniors, veterans, individuals struggling with mental health challenges, and those battling addiction, extreme weather can turn a difficult situation into a crisis overnight. As a city, we have a responsibility to ensure that no one is left unprotected simply because they lack a permanent address.  

Back when we received the American Rescue Plan funding, I asked the administration about allocating a portion of those funds to aid our residents to help with housing costs or to various support services for those within the city that would be beneficial and helpful to residents.

While the suggested measures were not acted upon, Senate Bill 4832 provides a framework for the administration to take a closer look and do something now with dedicated funding. This bill recognizes the urgency and compassion of addressing homelessness, especially when weather conditions threaten lives.

As your Councilwoman At-Large, I remain steadfast and committed to the people of our city, and I believe that, as leaders, we must do our part to ensure that we protect all residents, regardless of whether they have a roof over their head or contribute to our tax base. The forecast shows a major snowstorm will hit this weekend. Knowing this in advance, if it comes to pass and does happen, what about the people who don’t have the benefit of being indoors? We need to step up and do more, and when avenues are provided, such as Senate Bill 4832, to help service and protect our residents, we should take them. I will be speaking to the administration about allocating funds towards this effort to help those in need.