The Burlington County Board of Freeholders has appointed Matthew Reilly, CEO & President of Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development, Inc. (MEND), to the county’s Homeless Trust Fund Task Force.

The Homeless Fund Task Force will advise local governments concerning the creation of local homeless housing programs and plans and set priorities for how to use and distribute funds raised for the county’s homeless trust fund. In addition, the task force will develop a housing plan and strategies to reduce emergency room and hospital care, law enforcement, foster care and other social services associated with the homeless.

“I am honored and pleased to be chosen as a member of the task force,” said Reilly. “There are hundreds of individuals who are displaced and in need of services in Burlington County. I am proud to raise awareness about this issue and help find solutions to build a stronger community.”

The county created the homeless trust fund in March 2019, along with a new $3 records surcharge on all deeds, mortgages and land records filed with County Clerk’s Office. The law mandated that counties with a fund and fee also establish a task force consisting of county representatives, municipalities with the largest populations of homeless, current or former homeless individuals and representatives from organizations with experience in developing low-income housing.

“MEND is pleased to share our 50 years of affordable housing development knowledge and experience in connection with the County’s efforts to identify, reduce and ultimately eradicate homelessness in Burlington County,” said Reilly. “I believe MEND’s experience and expertise in Burlington County affordable housing markets will play a vital role in our task force sessions.”

Homelessness has been a persistent issue in Burlington County. According to NJCounts 2019, the annual point-in-time county of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in New Jersey, the most recent count in January 2019 found 518 homeless residents, down 38% from 2018’s count of 840. However, advocates and nonprofits believe the number is likely higher than what was recorded.

About MEND

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development, Inc. (MEND) is a private, nonprofit, housing development organization founded by several Moorestown churches in 1969. MEND is a national and state award-winning developer dedicated to providing safe and affordable rental housing to senior citizens, disabled persons, and families of low and moderate income. MEND has developed 770 residential units at 30 locations in the Burlington County region. Over the last five decades, MEND’s affordable housing production efforts have represented a $150 million real estate investment in the region. Visit www.mendinc.org for more information.