A brutal stretch of record-breaking heat has claimed at least 29 lives across New Jersey, with advocates pointing to the state’s growing homelessness crisis as a central factor in the death toll. Temperatures climbed as high as 108 degrees during the multiday heat event, which coincided with the July 4 holiday weekend.
Connie Mercer, CEO of the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness, told NJ Spotlight News that at least nine of those who died were confirmed to be unhoused. She added that another three or four victims appeared to have been living in their vehicles, and that all of those deaths were preventable.
As a second wave of dangerous heat gripped the state this week, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a Code Red order for the city. Through 9 p.m. Wednesday, Newark was directing residents to seek relief at air-conditioned public libraries, recreation centers, and other designated sites, while also encouraging people to call for assistance if they spotted unhoused individuals in distress.
Advocate Calls on Gov. Sherrill to Declare Emergency
Mercer urged Gov. Mikie Sherrill to take immediate statewide action. She argued that declaring a state of emergency would allow emergency shelters to temporarily increase their capacity by 20% to 30%, potentially protecting vulnerable residents from future heat-related illness or death…