Assisting Individuals and Families Experiencing Homelessness

The Newton Police Department is committed to assisting individuals and families experiencing homelessness by connecting them with community-based resources and support services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness. Through partnerships with municipal agencies, county services, and nonprofit organizations, the department takes a proactive and compassionate approach to addressing the needs of unhoused residents.

Homeless Task Force

In late 2025, the Town of Newton formally established a Homeless Task Force to enhance coordination, accountability, and outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness within the community. The task force brings together representatives from the Town of Newton, the Newton Police Department, social service agencies, and nonprofit organizations to ensure a collaborative and comprehensive response.

The Homeless Task Force meets daily to discuss case management, share information, and develop individualized plans of action tailored to each unhoused person’s specific needs. This coordinated approach allows participating agencies to move beyond short-term interventions and focus on sustainable pathways toward housing stability.

Sgt. Russell Post serves as the Newton Police Department’s representative for the Homeless Task Force. In his role as Administrative Sergeant, Sgt. Post works alongside town officials and nonprofit partners to coordinate police involvement, facilitate communication, and support individualized case planning efforts.

Sussex County Homeless Hotline After Hours Center

The Sussex County Division of Social Services is the primary resource for individuals seeking emergency housing assistance. However, police officers often encounter individuals in need outside of regular business hours. The Newton Police Department works closely with the Division of Social Services to provide after-hours assistance by offering a secure place of reception for those seeking help.

Officers connect individuals with a 24-hour screener to determine eligibility for emergency housing whenever possible. Once placement in an emergency shelter is secured, officers arrange transportation to the shelter location. Follow-up meetings with social services professionals are coordinated for the next business day to begin developing a longer-term plan toward permanent housing and supportive services.

Operation Chillout

OPERATION CHILLOUT is an all-volunteer outreach organization dedicated to addressing homelessness among veterans, men, and women throughout New Jersey and parts of northeastern Pennsylvania. Through this partnership, the Newton Police Department receives backpacks for men and women filled with warm clothing, toiletries, survival gear, and information about local resources.

These backpacks are distributed by officers to individuals in need, particularly during cold weather conditions, as part of the department’s ongoing outreach and engagement efforts.