Homeless Trust Fund

by Richard Brown on November 2, 2008

Homeless Trust Fund Bill approved 50-28-1 by the full Assembly
Twelve Assembly members agree to sponsor bill

Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee
Redd and Stack introduce Senate Bill (S2354)

A3101 was originally sponsored by Assemblywoman and Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman.

Primary Sponsors

Nilsa Cruz-Perez
Mila M. Jasey
Elease Evans
Reed Gusciora
Nellie Pou

Co-Sponsors

Annette Quijano
Shelia Y. Oliver
Connie Wagner
Valarie Vainieri Huttle
Upendra J. Chivukula
Joseph Cryan

On Monday October 27, 2008, the New Jersey Assembly approved on a roll call vote of 50-28-1, A3101, which will permit local governments to create homeless trust funds and establish programs to end homelessness known as “County Homeless Trust Funds.” To view the roll call vote to see how your member of the Assembly voted click here.

On Thursday November 13, 2008, Senator Dana L. Redd (D-Camden) introduced and Senator Brian Stack co-sponsored S2354, which permits counties to create County Homelessness Trust Funds and is a duplicate of A3101.

This is the most significant step to date to create a dedicated source of funding for county-based trust funds to end homelessness. The County Homeless Trust Fund will allow counties that have developed plans to end homelessness to have a recurring source of funding that would be dedicated to ending homelessness. The funds must be used for programs that not only are consistent with local plans but also measurably reduce homelessness while demonstrating cost savings over time.

To read the full bill click here.

How can a County Homeless Trust Fund Could Help End Homelessness?

County based Homeless Trust Funds would provide funding for the implementation of the locally developed Plans to End Homelessness.

States across the country have helped localities dramatically reduce their homeless populations by enabling them to fund the implementation of local plans to end homelessness through local Trust Funds. In these states, this has resulted in a reduction of costs to the public sector and community. A recent example is the King County Homeless Housing and Services Fund, created when the Washington State Legislature passed the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act of 2005 (ESSHB 2163) establishing an additional $10 document recording fee dedicated to funding homeless initiatives. This year this assisted more than 200 low-income, homeless individuals and their families will be able to move into stable housing where they can receive the supportive services they need to maintain that housing. The goal of the legislation in Washington State was to reduce homelessness by 50% in ten years.

The same results can and will happen in New Jersey.

The paths into homelessness are many, ranging from the onset of illness to natural disasters. It is experienced by veterans returning from war, people who have lost their jobs, people with disabilities who languish on the streets, and families who were evicted from their housing.

The path out of homelessness relies on programs funded by HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants and state funds. However, locally funded Homeless Trust Funds can leverage this scarce funding and insure success in ending homelessness. Supplemented by dedicated staff, volunteers, and resources from the private sector and local, state and federal governments, locally funded Homeless Trust Funds, could help thousands of families and individuals in New Jersey move into permanent housing. By providing a healthier, more stable living environment, homelessness programs can reduce public costs to hospitals, emergency rooms, law enforcement and foster care systems.

If you are interested in helping with the campaign we encourage you to read the sign on letter and have your organization become one of the leaders in this important campaign. To view a list of those who have endorsed this campaign click here.

For a fact sheet click here or for a description of possible uses and populations to be served click here.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found by clicking here.

To read our previous posts click here. For more information click here.

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