Housing is a fundamental driver of health. Without a safe, stable place to live, everyday activities like getting restful sleep, storing medications, or avoiding the spread of illness, can become an everyday challenge. Over time, these conditions can contribute to higher rates of chronic illness and shorter life expectancies for people who are housing insecure.

At Zufall Health, we recognize a clear and growing need. In 2025, 8% of Zufall’s patients were housing insecure, almost double the national average for community health centers, and a significant increase from a decade ago. The 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) count identified nearly 14,000 people experiencing homelessness statewide – the highest number reported in a decade. This rise reflects broader trends across New Jersey, where housing instability has surged due to lack of affordable housing, stagnant wages, and some long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Zufall is responding with targeted, community-based solutions to ensure access to care for our most vulnerable residents. 

Some of these initiatives include: 

• Mobile Medical outreach and expanded vaccination access: Supported by funding from Direct Relief and Sanofi, Zufall will collaborate with community partners to coordinate the delivery of respiratory vaccines and preventive care directly to food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and encampments.  

• Partnerships with the NJ Department of Consumer Affairs to address chronic homelessness: Through task forces in Morristown and Newton as well as a program in Somerset County, Zufall connected chronically unhoused individuals to health care, with more than 100 people linked to services in 2025.  

• Participation in the annual Point-in-Time Count: Annually, Zufall’s Community Outreach team helps to identify those experiencing homelessness within our service area which helps to guide resource allocation statewide.  

“Health care is a fundamental right, including for people without a home address,” said Dr. Rina Ramirez, Chief Medical Officer at Zufall Health. “We remain committed to meeting people where they are and ensuring they receive the care they need with dignity and respect.” 

As housing insecurity continues to rise, so does the need for accessible, compassionate care. With the continued support of community partners and donors, Zufall Health can continue serving people, wherever they may be located, and ensure that no one is left without care.