Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh on Monday appointed Angela Fields as the city's first homeless czar, a new position aimed at coordinating Paterson's response to homelessness and housing instability.

Fields will serve in the grant-funded position within the mayor's office and lead the city's homelessness strategy, coordinating efforts among city departments and agencies.

The city said Fields will focus on helping people move from crisis to stable housing while addressing issues involving homeless encampments, panhandling, substance use, public safety and neighborhood quality of life. She will also help develop data-driven policies and coordinate projects serving Paterson's unhoused population.

Fields, a Paterson native and Eastside High School graduate, has more than 15 years of experience in public engagement, policy advocacy and community partnerships, according to the city.

She was appointed to the New Jersey Interagency Council on Homelessness in 2025 and also serves on the boards of the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness and the Tri-County Continuum of Care.

The city said the new role is intended to strengthen coordination among agencies and organizations working to address homelessness and its effects on residents, neighborhoods and businesses.