Bill
Bill > SCR84
NJ SCR84
NJ SCR84Urges U.S. Secretary for Housing and Urban Development to prioritize transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, including survivors of domestic violence.
summary
Introduced
02/05/2024
02/05/2024
In Committee
02/05/2024
02/05/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution urges the United States Secretary for Housing and Urban Development to prioritize transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, including survivors of domestic violence (DV). Homelessness presents a variety of needs and challenges, and for many, time and support is needed to obtain and maintain permanent and affordable housing. For victims of DV, who often face physical and mental health issues stemming from their abuse, financial barriers often prevent them from obtaining such housing. Transitional housing programs allow homeless households, including those who have fled DV, up to 24 months of safe housing and supportive services that include financial education, life skills training, counseling, employment support, and housing assistance. Transitional housing is particularly important for DV victims, who need time and support in order to obtain and maintain permanent affordable housing. Over the past year, the coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) has further exacerbated the need for transitional housing programs, with millions of Americans crippled with unemployment, underemployment, and uncertainty. In high-rent communities, homeless households recovering from the financial impacts of COVID-19 will need time to regain employment, locate suitable childcare, pay off debts and repair credit, before they will be able to obtain new housing. Transitional housing programs are equipped to provide the time and resources that it will take to get households back on their feet permanently. Urging the Secretary for Housing and Urban Development to prioritize transitional housing can provide homeless individuals and families, including survivors of DV, with the opportunity to achieve financial self-sufficiency and safe, permanent housing.
AI Summary
This concurrent resolution urges the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to prioritize transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, with a special focus on survivors of domestic violence (DV). The resolution highlights the challenges faced by homeless populations, particularly DV survivors, who often struggle with long-term physical and mental health issues and face significant financial barriers to obtaining stable housing. Transitional housing programs are presented as a critical solution, offering safe housing for up to 24 months and providing comprehensive support services including financial education, life skills training, counseling, employment assistance, and housing support. The resolution notes that most emergency shelters limit stays to 90 days and that more than half of DV victims in need of housing services do not receive them. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated housing instability, especially in high-rent communities where short-term rental assistance is insufficient. By urging HUD to prioritize transitional housing, the resolution aims to help homeless individuals and families, especially DV survivors, achieve financial self-sufficiency and secure permanent, safe housing.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 02/05/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SCR84 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SCR/84_I1.HTM |
Loading...