The annual program connecting people with advocacy groups was held in conjunction with a nationwide homeless survey.
Elisha Seguine came in for a new blanket. But she realized there was more for her here.
"I figured it would be a good idea, I could get help with housing," the Phillipsburg resident said as she sat down to get her blood pressure checked as well.
Warren County residents and volunteers flowed through Mercy Hall on Wednesday at St. Philip & St. James Church in Phillipsburg, where the county held its annual Project Homeless Connect event.
"We've held this event ... to offer services to folks in the community who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, to have everything in one location and be able to link folks to housing, financial assistance, homelessness prevention, health care, dental care," said Catherine Brewster, with the Warren County Department of Human Services.
Some 25 agencies from around the region had tables set up in the hall offering services like legal advice, food and clothing. Cosmetology students from Warren County Technical School were providing haircuts in the basement.
The event coincided with the national Point-In-Time Count, which in New Jersey was being held Wednesday. The statewide study of demographics and trends in homelessness provides guidance how best to direct resources, according to Monarch Housing Associates, which is conducting New Jersey's count for the third year.
This year's final numbers are expected to be released in the spring.
2015 COUNT: Easton shelter leader tallies homeless, offers help
In 2015, there were 10,211 homeless people counted in New Jersey, according to Monarch. Warren County ranked among the fewest homeless in the state with 58 counted. Neighboring Hunterdon, Morris and Sussex counties had 140, 348 and 57, respectively. Essex County had the most with 1,723.
But, Warren County officials said, because people may not be visibly living on the street does not mean residents don't need help.
"When we have a great turnout like this," Freeholder Ed Smith said, motioning to the crowd of at least 100 people around midday, "that's great news. But the bad news is there's that many people who are at that point in their lives where they need to find some kind of assistance."
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.