Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County residents urge expanded Code Blue sheltering, question 2‑1‑1 and spending; officials outline limits of county role
Summary
Multiple residents pressed Middlesex County commissioners for more oversight and funding of Code Blue winter sheltering and raised complaints about services, transportation, and the Code Blue operator; county staff said municipalities operate shelters and 2‑1‑1 is a state‑funded access point.
Several residents urged Middlesex County to expand and better oversee Code Blue winter shelter services during public comment at the Board of Commissioners meeting, raising concerns about transportation, meals, bedding, secure storage and how funds are spent.
Charlie Prattville of New Brunswick, Danielle Martin and Carissa Cunningham described gaps in service and expressed frustration that many of the county’s unhoused residents are routed to New Brunswick’s Code Blue site at 6 Kirkpatrick Street. Carissa Cunningham recounted a call to 2‑1‑1 on behalf of a 68‑year‑old woman with health problems that the caller said resulted in a refusal of shelter because of a waiting list; Cunningham called for increased county funding, oversight of how Code Blue money is spent and better access to transportation.
Public commenters alleged money intended for direct services had been spent on building improvements and said shelters lack sheets, secure storage for belongings and consistent food provision during long overnight stays. One speaker named the current Code Blue operator, saying the county should reconsider oversight of the program.
County staff responded that Middlesex County’s role is primarily grant funding to municipalities; local municipalities operate Code Blue sites and determine operations under state legislation. County staff said the county declares Code Blue under temperature or wind‑chill restrictions and distributes funds to municipalities that apply for them. Staff also said 2‑1‑1 is contracted by the state of New Jersey as the statewide entry point for homeless services and is not contracted by Middlesex County.
Speakers at the meeting asked for the county to require stronger accountability for how Code Blue funds are used and for practical changes such as expanded hours, better release times in the morning and transportation supports. County staff said they will verify operational details with municipal operators when requested by commissioners.
No formal change to county policy or funding was recorded in the meeting excerpt; the comments were made during the public‑comment period and during discussion of resolutions.
