Bill > A2745

Introduced Session

This bill would direct the Commissioner of Community Affairs to develop and implement a plan to end veteran homelessness in New Jersey within three years in accordance with the criteria and benchmarks established for this purpose by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. The bill directs the commissioner to develop and implement a strategy to end veteran homelessness through the following means: (1) the coordination with State and local government entities, and private community organizations to continuously assess progress; (2) the management of a Statewide comprehensive, by-name list of veterans experiencing, or at-risk of experiencing homelessness; (3) facilitating the sharing of data among relevant service providers; (4) the establishment of a system of priority for veterans in accessing benefits through the Homeless Prevention Program, emergency assistance benefits, and any other existing benefit and housing placement processes; (5) the establishment of a system to connect veterans experiencing, or at-risk of, homelessness to available health, mental health, employment, and training resources; (6) committing to housing first principles; and (7) The identification of funding sources, as needed from private, foundation, and other potential partners. The bill would require the commissioner, after the initial three-year period and every three years thereafter, to develop and then implement an updated plan to ensure that veterans do not experience homelessness in the State. The bill would also impose reporting requirements. This bill would take effect immediately.

Committee Categories

Brian Bergen (R)*,  Michele Matsikoudis (R),  Antwan McClellan (R),  Erik Simonsen (R), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document