Our Mission
Homeless Solutions provides a Hand UP, not a HandOUT.
We empower those who are homeless and at risk of homelessness in Morris County to attain housing stability. Through comprehensive support, including shelter, affordable housing, and a range of services, we collaborate with individuals and families who are committed to achieving their goal of self-sustainability.
About Us
Our Philosophy is “A Hand UP, not a HandOUT.” Since 1983, Homeless Solutions has been helping people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in our community. As a private, nonprofit organization, we are unique in what we do. We offer more than just a healthy meal and a place to sleep. We create pathways for people to rebuild stability, achieve lasting housing and pursue their long-term goals.
What sets Homeless Solutions apart from others is our comprehensive continuum of housing options, including our Main Shelter, Transitional Housing Program (THP) for families, Warming Center for individuals living unsheltered during the winter, Mt. Kemble Home for senior women, Women’s Campus for single women, and 72 additional units of affordable rental housing, owned and operated by HSI, throughout Morris County. Each of our programs is designed to meet people where they are and support their journey to sustainable housing.
We have a remarkable staff of over 50 individuals (full-time & part-time) and are governed by a Board of Trustees.
Our History
In 1983 religious and business leaders looked out from their buildings and saw people who had no home. They decided that in their community, all people should have shelter from the cold and food for the day. In May of 1983, Morris Shelter, Inc. was created as a private, not-for-profit, tax-exempt community benefit organization.
In the beginning, Morris Shelter, Inc. provided beds and meals to men in the Manse of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown. The Morris County Freeholders' Homeless Steering Committee had been asked to address the situation of homeless people in Morris Country. The committee's study led to the Freeholders approving the establishment on county property of an Emergency Shelter. Morris Shelter, Inc. opened a shelter at the building, formerly the Morris View Nursing Home facility, on West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township in 1985. At the time, a 10-year lease was signed between Morris Shelter, Inc. and Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders for the use of the first floor of Building II.
After some renovations, Morris Shelter opened its doors at this new site in March of 1987, and with the help of volunteers and staff, the Shelter was able to provide 45 shelter beds, meals, clothing, and supportive services.
We are proud to be the largest provider of homeless services in Morris County
Homeless Solutions Timeline
In 1983, the Morris Shelter was established by community and church leaders to provide shelter to homeless individuals and was housed in the manse of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown. By 1986, it secured a 10-year agreement to operate a 30-bed facility with community support in Morris Township. The main shelter still calls this location home today.
The 1990's were a time of rapid growth and change for the Morris Shelter. The shelter expanded to the second floor of the county building and for the first time included the Family Program (1994) and the Safe Haven Program (1995) serving families and those with mental health diagnoses through expanded case management and educational services. The Transitional Housing Program opened its doors in 1996 and as the Morris Shelter began expanding services into affordable housing, a new name was born: Homeless Solutions, Inc.
With the addition of the Headquarters Development Program (Affordable Housing) and the rapid expansion of units/properties in the early 2000's, Homeless Solutions also added new programs, such as the Family Supportive Housing Program. Now known as Housing Retention Services, this office provides key assistance to recent HSI graduates.
Throughout the 2010's HSI added to their inventory of affordable units, expanded their services to include the historic Mt. Kemble Home, a boarding house style home in downtown Morristown for senior women of limited means. HSI also helped pilot the Morris County Warming Center/Code Blue system by opening up to 18 beds a night for the street homeless population of Morris County during the cold winter months.
Homeless Solutions continues to expand it's offerings to our homeless and at-risk of homelessness neighbors. In 2024, HSI gained sole control of the Homeless Solutions' Women's Campus. 92% of all homeless or at-risk people in Morris County are served by HSI annually, solidifying our role in the community and inspiring our team to be compassionate, caring, and inventive friends to our neighbors in need.