Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that an organization in Jersey City has been selected to receive grant funds for the creation of a Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) Pilot Program. Eligible municipalities and community-based organizations competed for grants of up to $2 million per municipality. The Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County, based in Jersey City, joins other recipients such as the Newark Community Street Team, Reimagining Justice Inc./Paterson Healing Collective’s Paterson Compassionate Care Collaborative Project, the Center for Family Services in Camden, and Salvation and Social Justice in Trenton.

Governor Murphy signed the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act into law in January. Named after Najee Seabrooks and Andrew Washington, who were killed during mental health crises encounters with law enforcement, the bill established the CCRT Pilot Program. The Office of Alternative and Community Responses within the Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS) oversees this program.

The CCRT pilots will expand response options available through LPS, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Human Services (DHS). These teams aim to provide appropriate responses for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

“I am thrilled to see the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act continue to reach into communities across New Jersey," said Governor Phil Murphy. "The Jersey City Community Crisis Response Team Pilot Program funded by this grant will enhance our continuum of mental health supports."

CCRTs are designed to address gaps in accessing mental and behavioral health support within communities receiving these grants. They aim to assist individuals who may be reluctant to seek help from traditional law enforcement or emergency medical systems.

“I am proud to announce funding to create Jersey City’s Community Crisis Response Team Pilot Program," said Attorney General Platkin. "This program strengthens our commitment to working with community partners to build trusted systems that protect public health and ensure public safety.”

CCRTs will offer interventions, outreach services, de-escalation, stabilization support, resource connection, and personalized follow-up tailored to individual needs. By deploying trusted community partners, CCRTs will work on de-escalating incidents and connecting individuals with necessary resources.

“Each new partnership increases the chances that someone in crisis will receive the help they need from a source they trust,” said Tiffany Wilson, Director of the Office of Alternative and Community Responses. “We’re pleased to have the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County join us in fulfilling our mission.”

The program is supported by a fiscal year 2024 State budget allocation.