As a business owner in Montclair, it’s not uncommon to interact with members of the unhoused community outside your storefront. While you
want to be compassionate, it can be challenging to know how to respond in a way that’s helpful to both the individual and your business. The
good news? Montclair has a network of service providers who can help, and you can be part of the solution by knowing where to direct people.
This blog post offers a two-part guide:
- A weekly schedule of available services in Montclair for the unhoused.
- A list of Do’s and Don’ts for respectful and effective interactions.
Where to Direct People: Weekly Services for the Unhoused in Montclair
Montclair and surrounding areas offer daily support including food, shelter, mental health services, and outreach. Use this list to guide anyone
who may be asking for help outside your business:
Do’s and Don’ts for Business Owners
Here are best practices for respectfully engaging with individuals who may be experiencing homelessness:
DO:
- Acknowledge their presence with a smile or kind greeting; combatting isolation matters.
- Listen actively if someone wants to share their story.
- Be compassionate everyone’s path to homelessness is unique and recovery takes time.
- Direct individuals to resources like the Salvation Army, Toni’s Kitchen, or MESH.
- Distribute resource cards listing local services and shelters.
- Secure your property: Lock gates after hours, install motion lighting, and post “No Trespassing” signs.
- Support long-term solutions: Donate to local organizations and advocate for housing and mental health funding.
DON’T:
- Don’t give money or food to non-patrons, refer them to local services instead.
- Don’t allow loitering, storing personal items, or camping on your property.
- Don’t leave empty cardboard boxes accessible (can be used for bedding).
- Don’t give unsolicited advice, offer information instead.
- Don’t engage during nighttime hours refer to services during daytime in public settings.
If a situation feels unsafe, trust your instincts and call the Montclair Police Department.
If a criminal complaint is necessary, business owners must file through Montclair Municipal Court. You’ll need to be
involved in the legal process as a complainant. Always document the incident with photos, videos, or notes, and the police
will assist with reporting.
A Community-Based Approach
Business owners have a powerful role to play in making Montclair a safe, welcoming place for everyone- housed and
unhoused alike. By knowing where help is available and how to respond with empathy and boundaries, we can reduce tension,
connect people to resources, and uphold the dignity of all who walk through our community.