ELIZABETH — For years, the lobby of Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth was a de facto homeless drop-in center on cold winter nights, something that did little to help that population long-term and was disconcerting for patients and frustrating for hospital staff.
That changed last winter, thanks to a state-funded program that has allowed Trinitas to immediately connect homeless visitors with overnight shelter, then support services and, for at least 11 people, permanent housing.
“It’s been a true game-changer for Trinitas,” said Nancy DiLiegro, president and CEO of the hospital, founded in 1879…