Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon, a candidate for mayor, just announced his plan to combat homelessness citywide if elected in the non-partisan November 4th elections.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We can bring down homelessness while also improving quality of life in Jersey City. For too long, homelessness has been an issue for Jersey City and it is one I am prepared to solve as mayor,” he said in a statement.
“We don’t have to just accept things, we can change them, and this policy will do just that by adopting a housing first approach, improving mental health services and stopping homelessness in the first place by creating thousands of affordable housing units.”
Recent data from the Point-in-Time Count reveals a troubling 16 percent increase in homelessness across Jersey City from 2023 to 2024.
The downtown councilman believes that while homelessness is a multifaceted issue, with roots in housing, mental health, and equity, targeted policies can bring substantial improvements.
His plan to fight homelessness includes three pillars: prevention, adopting a “housing first” approach, and enhancing mental health services.
Specifically, Solomon indicates he would implement measures including enforcing rent control laws, banning unreasonable rent hikes, and implementing stricter regulations on landlord practices.
To that end, he added he would build on his Right-to-Council proposal by expanding support for families at risk of homelessness through targeted rental assistance and rapid rehousing programs.
By partnering with local nonprofits and places of worship, he aims to amplify the impact of existing prevention efforts.
As for the Housing First model, Solomon plans on utilizing expert outreach teams and centralized data tracking, expanding supportive housing units and offer necessary services including case management, mental health treatment, and addiction counseling.
Collaborating with the county government, nonprofit providers, neighboring cities, and healthcare organizations, Solomon will “establish an integrated homelessness response system designed for long-term success,” his campaign said today.
Finally, the mayoral hopeful aspires to have programs such as Assertive Community Treatment to grow to offer intensive treatment, support, and rehabilitation in community settings.
This would help facilitate the transition of chronically homeless individuals from the streets to stable housing and long-term wellbeing.
Solomon has already unveiled proposal for public safety, development, transportation, and anti-corruption.
Deport them to Newark ?