New Legislation Enables Mental Health Care Provision in New Jersey Homeless Shelters

Governor Phil Murphy has enacted a law allowing mental and behavioral health care providers to operate within emergency shelters, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to meet the mental health needs of New Jersey's homeless residents.

Bill A-4755, signed today by Governor Murphy, permits licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and other behavioral health practitioners to provide services to individuals within shelters on either a part-time or full-time basis, as well as in emergency circumstances.

"The stress individuals often face when experiencing homelessness can, unfortunately, lead to or exacerbate existing mental health challenges," said Governor Murphy. "This law reflects my administration's belief that every New Jerseyan deserves access to the mental health care they need and builds upon our work to expand these services throughout our state."

The new legislation facilitates the delivery of mental health care directly to those who need it the most, removing barriers to safe and stable housing and aiming to improve overall health outcomes.

"People experiencing homelessness can face multiple barriers to safe and stable housing, including health challenges. This legislation makes it easier for people in emergency shelters to receive care, if they so choose, from behavioral and mental health care providers because it brings the care right to them," said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.

Behavioral health care services provided in emergency shelters will be voluntary, and if offered, must be made available to any resident in the shelter in need. The services must also be offered in a private area within the shelter to ensure resident privacy.

"Mental illness and housing insecurity can often go hand-in-hand," said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. "Making behavioral health care accessible for unhoused individuals will make a meaningful difference in their lives and in our communities - and will help build better futures."

The enactment of this legislation is applauded by various stakeholders, including Connie Mercer, CEO of NJ Coalition to End Homelessness, who said, "Addressing the mental health needs of individuals in emergency shelters will ultimately give them a greater opportunity to thrive and become more independent members of society."

The bill was sponsored by Senator Renee Burgess, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, and Assembly Members Bill Moen and Shanique Speight.

"This legislation is an important step in the right direction to provide the wraparound services people experiencing homelessness throughout our state so desperately need," concluded Mercer.

"We look forward to continued efforts to support our neighbors in recovery and stability as they work to secure a permanent place to call home,” said Taiisa Kelly, CEO of Monarch Housing Associates.