Paterson council backs ‘Patterson Bridge’ outreach plan and urges state funding

The Paterson Municipal Council voted unanimously May 20 to adopt an amended resolution expressing support for the Patterson Bridge program, a coalition of grassroots groups seeking state funding for intensive outreach to people sleeping in tent encampments.

Organizers told the council the proposal requests about $2,000,000 in state budget allocations to pay direct-service providers to deliver “intensive housing services” — outreach, housing vouchers and behavioral health and employment supports — to people living in encampments along Route 19, Route 80 and segments of Main Street. A motion to amend the draft resolution so it explicitly “stands in support” of the coalition’s request as it seeks state funding was moved by Councilwoman Maritza Davila and seconded by Councilwoman Velez; the amendment and the resolution passed 9–0.

The resolution does not appropriate city funds. Kelly Moss, one of the lead organizers, told the council the plan is meant to fund grassroots providers already working outside city government. “The intensive housing services will involve those grassroots organizations that’s already out there doing the work…This will give them an opportunity to do the work and be funded and deliver quality care,” Moss said,…