Spotlight on Service: Building Connections to Address Homelessness in Essex County with Jessica Torres

Celebrating and learning about those on the frontlines of public service is core to our mission at Civic Roundtable. Our platform is shaped by the voices of leaders like Jessica Torres, who dedicate their careers to solving complex public challenges.

Jessica Torres is the Continuum of Care Coordinator for Essex County, New Jersey, where she plays a critical role in addressing homelessness by connecting federal, state, and local agencies with nonprofit organizations and private partners. With over nine years of experience in human services, Jessica leads a collaborative, data-driven effort to support Essex County’s low- and no-income residents. By engaging diverse stakeholders—from housing authorities to educators—she works to build equitable systems that provide holistic support for the community's most vulnerable members.

What are your key priorities and responsibilities today?

My key responsibility is ensuring that homeless planning remains a top priority for Essex County. This involves engaging a wide range of stakeholders—those who provide resources, advocate for those without, and those in need themselves. I’ve naturally become a liaison, connecting the community and various organizations to create a more holistic system that touches all facets of homelessness, including different abilities and levels of independence.  

A big part of my work right now is supporting the HUD Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a critical effort to survey individuals experiencing street homelessness. These surveys not only inform our local planning but also impact the fiscal support we receive from federal and state governments. In alignment with this, my colleague and I are planning a Homeless Connect event—a one-stop event where individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can access a broad spectrum of support and services, including education, employment, social services, re-entry support, veteran services, domestic violence resources, food security, and healthcare.  

Community engagement is central to my role. I’ve been on the ground conducting PIT counts, participating in meetings others might overlook, and emphasizing that homelessness impacts everyone—it doesn’t discriminate by education, background, or status.  

My approach is rooted in making our systems inclusive, diverse, transparent, and equitable. These priorities shape every decision I make and define my sense of responsibility in this role.  

How did you get into this work?

I know this is kind of cliché, but children often have a dream career whether it’s something that their family did or from someone they’ve admired. I was a very curious child who was like, "Well, what if?" and "Why did you do it that way?"—always questioning the world around me. I always wanted to be an attorney.

As I got older, I followed that dream and applied and got accepted into law school. However, right after I received that acceptance, my mom got sick, and I decided to decline that acceptance to stay home and help her. Not long after I received my master’s degree and began working for Essex County Chief Counsel, still working in law, and the goal was still to pursue law school later.

The longer I was in that office, I realized that law wasn't my life’s cause. I started diving into my volunteerism and eventually transferred to the Division of Community Action. Since then, I’ve been able to expand upon skills that I realized I may have had and have learned more about my community and myself.

What specifically about volunteerism interested you? Was it just an innate desire to give back, or was there something specific that drove you to it?

I would say my religious or spiritual beliefs. As a kid, I grew up in a family where we went to church, and a part of your Christian journey is charity. For me, giving back always made me feel good. It made me feel like I was doing something for more than just myself.

I remember being on the Steve Adubato show in high school and sharing a quote that’s always stayed with me: "You have to be the change you want to see." That belief has always been in my spirit. I think joy stems from being in service to others. Volunteering has never been a chore for me—it’s always been something I enjoyed. I remember as a kid, my mom would get her friends to dress up as Santa to deliver toys to children in shelters and in the hospital and visit the elderly. In high school, I led peers in cleaning our school and community. It’s always felt natural for me to end up in a space where I could encourage and bring people together to do the same.

My role involves creating systems that are inclusive, transparent, and equitable. I’ve been boots-on-the-ground during surveys and meetings, ensuring that homelessness is addressed from all angles, as it can affect anyone—regardless of education or background.

What would you say is the most difficult part of your role?

Getting people to the table and understanding that they, too, have a say. We’re often siloed in our work and hesitant to collaborate, fearing that others won’t understand our population or that sharing resources will limit what’s available. But if we could just come together, we’d realize how much more we could accomplish collectively.

How does Roundtable fit into your work right now?

It lets people know they have a seat at the table. Previously, we relied on email blasts and monthly meetings. Now, people can engage, comment, and share ideas in real time. It’s been amazing to see increased participation—like one member in her late 70s who checks Roundtable daily and finds it easy to use. That’s exactly what we want!

What keeps you grounded and motivated in this emotionally taxing work?

At the end of the day, I do this work for the people I assist. Even though I don’t do direct intakes anymore, what I do impacts them. It’s not always easy, but it’s worthwhile. Even if I make a difference in one life, that one life touches others.

Do you have tips for preventing burnout in such a demanding field?

You cannot pour from an empty cup. Scheduling time for yourself is critical—whether it’s going to the gym, journaling, or spending time with loved ones. Remember that you’re one person and can’t carry the weight of the world. Focus on what you can do and let that be enough.