Housing (Homelessness)

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 949: Establishes Safe Haven Homeless Housing Program; appropriates $30 million.

This bill creates the Safe Haven Homeless Housing Program to fund renovations of underused buildings (like vacant malls, hotels, or office parks) into housing for homeless individuals and families with very low incomes (earning ≤30% of area median income). It appropriates $30 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide low-interest loans to qualified developers for these renovations, with the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency administering the program. The housing must include supportive services to help residents transition to stable housing, either as temporary transitional housing (up to 24 months) or permanent supportive housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds renovations of underused buildings into housing for homeless (≤30% AMI) using $30M ARPA funds, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Housing Finance Mortgages

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2696: Provides for voluntary contributions by taxpayers on gross income tax returns to support programming to address family homelessness.

This bill creates the "New Jersey Family Homelessness Fund" allowing taxpayers to voluntarily add contributions to their state income tax refunds or enclose payments. It directly affects families facing homelessness in New Jersey by funding services through Family Promise affiliates. Key provisions require the state to annually allocate all collected funds to Family Promise's local affiliates for homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and housing stabilization programs. Taxpayers can choose to contribute via their tax return, with no mandatory fees or tax increases.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates voluntary tax contributions to fund homelessness programs, directly allocating collected funds to essential services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a fund to directly finance homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and housing stabilization programs through Family Promise affiliates, explicitly addressing housing stability for families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Homelessness

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4228: Requires State to reimburse school districts for costs of transporting homeless students.

This bill (A4228) requires the New Jersey State to reimburse school districts for the costs of transporting homeless students to school. Currently, the student's district of residence pays these transportation costs, but this bill shifts that responsibility to the state. It amends existing laws (P.L.1989, c.290 and P.L.2015, c.228) to specify that the State must reimburse districts for transportation provided to homeless students. The change directly affects all school districts in New Jersey that transport homeless students, ensuring they are financially supported for this cost.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesShifts transportation costs from districts to state, increasing state spending on essential student services per bill's reimbursement mandate.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationShifts state reimbursement for homeless student transportation, directly increasing school district funding for educational access and reducing financial burden on districts.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses homelessness by requiring state reimbursement for transporting homeless students, aligning with housing policy goals to support vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates state funding for school transportation costs of homeless students, directly providing financial support for a transportation service under the topic's scope.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Homelessness

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 3481: Revises "Homelessness Prevention Program"; requires new charge for filing of eviction action.

This bill adds a new fee for landlords filing eviction actions related to unpaid rent in New Jersey. It targets renters facing imminent homelessness due to inability to pay rent, requiring them to be New Jersey residents with income under 80% of area median income and not hiding assets. The bill also changes how mortgage-related homelessness assistance is provided, requiring it as a secured loan (not direct cash) for owner-occupied homes. Eligibility includes prioritizing vulnerable groups like seniors, disabled individuals, domestic violence victims, and families with children facing separation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill targets homelessness prevention by adding eviction fees for unpaid rent, prioritizing low-income renters (under 80% AMI), and changing mortgage aid to secured loans for vulnerable groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4136: Establishes five-year housing advisory plan.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to create and update a five-year housing advisory plan. It directly affects all state residents, with specific focus on homeless and near-homeless individuals and vulnerable populations. The plan must assess housing market trends, identify needs across income groups, inventory affordable housing supply, track progress toward meeting needs, and pinpoint regulatory barriers to affordable housing development. The department must submit the initial plan to the Governor and the Joint Committee on Housing Affordability within 18 months of enactment, with updated versions every five years thereafter.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates plan to assess affordable housing needs, track progress, and identify regulatory barriers for vulnerable populations including homeless individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4369: Establishes matching grant program in DCA to support community-based nonprofit organizations that provide shelter services during Code Blue alerts.

This bill (A4369) creates a matching grant program within New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to support community-based nonprofits that provide shelter during Code Blue alerts (extreme cold weather emergencies). Nonprofits must first receive a grant from a county or municipality within the past year, then apply to DCA for a state match of that funding, with a $50,000 annual limit per county/municipality. The program requires applicants to detail their finances, grant use plans, and verify prior funding, while DCA must award grants in order of application receipt and report on the program’s effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature after three years. It directly affects eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing emergency shelter services.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds nonprofit shelter services during Code Blue emergencies, directly addressing homelessness as part of housing policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3322: "Homeless Bill of Rights."

New Jersey's A-3322, the "Homeless Bill of Rights," prohibits discrimination against homeless residents in public spaces, services, employment, healthcare, voting, and privacy. It guarantees homeless individuals the same rights as other residents, including free movement in public areas, equal treatment by government agencies, protection from employment discrimination due to lack of permanent address, access to emergency medical care, and confidentiality of shelter records. The bill allows individuals to sue for violations and seek court-ordered remedies, damages, and attorney fees. It directly affects all homeless residents in New Jersey by legally protecting their access to public life and services without housing status discrimination.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects homeless individuals' civil rights and prevents discrimination in public spaces, reducing criminalization of homelessness - a key criminal justice reform goal.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGuarantees homeless individuals access to emergency medical care and prohibits healthcare discrimination, directly advancing patient access and rights per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits discrimination against homeless residents in housing-related services, guarantees equal access to public spaces/services, and directly addresses homelessness through anti-discrimination protections.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits employment discrimination against homeless individuals due to lack of permanent address, directly protecting workers' rights in hiring and workplace treatment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Homelessness Tenant Rights Employment Discrimination

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3627: Establishes Statewide database of beds in shelters for homeless persons.

This bill creates a statewide real-time database tracking available beds in homeless shelters across New Jersey. Homeless shelters (excluding domestic violence shelters) must update bed availability within one hour of changes, allowing shelter operators and referral services to quickly locate open beds for people needing emergency housing. Participation in the database becomes a condition for shelters to receive state funding from the Departments of Community Affairs and Human Services. The database aims to improve coordination between shelters to reduce wait times for individuals seeking immediate housing assistance.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates real-time database for homeless shelter beds to improve emergency housing access, directly addressing homelessness (core housing issue). Funding tied to participation ensures implementation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1779: Requires Homelessness Prevention Program agencies to remain open during public health emergency and provides for funding of each agency.

This bill requires Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agencies - nonprofit organizations managing homelessness services in New Jersey - to remain open during public health emergencies. It mandates the Department of Community Affairs to fund one agency per "populous county" (county with 350,000+ residents) to manage homelessness prevention services in those areas. If federal pandemic funding is insufficient, the agency head may request state funds from the General Fund to cover gaps. The law directly affects agencies in populous counties and the residents they serve, ensuring continuous access to homelessness prevention during emergencies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates state General Fund funding to cover homelessness program gaps when federal funds are insufficient, directly increasing public service budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates state funding for homelessness prevention agencies during emergencies, directly advancing housing stability and affordability programs as per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Homelessness

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3333: Provides reimbursement to emergency shelter following certain evictions.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to reimburse emergency shelter operators for costs incurred when evicting individuals who refuse to leave after their authorized stay period ends. It applies directly to operators of homeless emergency shelters established under existing law, covering expenses and lost revenue during the eviction process. Shelters must submit a specific form within 30 days of an eviction warrant being served, detailing costs and supporting documentation. The state must annually fund these reimbursements through General Fund appropriations. The bill clarifies that shelters may legally pursue eviction for non-compliance with stay duration rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates state reimbursement for shelter eviction costs, increasing government spending on essential services per budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReimburses shelters for eviction costs, enabling continued operation to address homelessness under housing topic indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Homelessness Tenant Rights

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