How to get New Jersey Emergency Rental Assistance Programs – The state of New Jersey provides assistance to needy residents through various programs and grants. The Center On Budget And Policy Priorities assumes that there are around 156,000 New Jersey families belonging to the low-income category who receive rental assistance programs from the federal government.
Fortunately, there are several federal, state, nonprofit and charity-based organizations that assist low-income families in New Jersey. This guide will throw light on federal, state and local programs including non profit organizations that assist families during their challenging times.
Eligibility Criteria And Documents Required To Qualify For New Jersey Rental Assistance Program
Even though the eligibility criteria may differ depending on your location and the type of program you are applying for, the general condition to avail rent assistance requires the following.
- Applicants should rent a unit within the state of New Jersey
- Applicants must be a citizen of the United States government, residents of New Jersey or legal non-citizen
- Applicants should be 18 years or older in age to qualify for rent assistance
- The income of the applicants should not exceed 80% of the US median income. For instance, a two-person household living in Bergen County NJ should not earn more than $62800 to qualify for rental assistance
- Candidates need to prove they have reduced income, incurred huge housing or rental costs, going through financial hardship or eviction or have qualified for unemployment benefits.
Following is the list of documents that low-income renters in the state of New Jersey have two submitted to receive rental help from Places That Help With Rent Assistance In Emergency
- Verification of identity such as birth certificate, passport or driver’s license
- Verification of household income in the form of space tubs, W2, 1099 form and bank statements
- Employment information
- Evidence of rental assistance for instance rental agreement or lease, utility bills verifying your residence and a return statement from your landlord verifying the status of the applicant as renter
- Proof of risk of homelessness such as eviction notice, evidence of sexual abuse or domestic violence, increased housing cost which is making it difficult to afford rent and utility bills, unhealthy or unsafe living conditions, past due rent or utility notice etc.
- Proof of reduced income for instance unemployment benefits, document from healthcare provider stating they are unable to work because of illness, employer letter stating termination, period of reduction of wages, layoff letter from employer
- Proof of past due rental utility bills such as eviction notice, past due notice from your landlord, complaint or summons issued to renter over the past 30 days etc.
What Are The Available Rental Assistance Program In The State Of New Jersey?
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Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP)
State funding and management of the HPP is provided by the Department of Community Affairs. This program is intended to assist people who have fallen behind on their rent payments and are at risk of eviction. The program provides them with a security deposit as well as a few months’ rent assistance in order to move into a house, on the condition that they can be held responsible for the payments once their support ends.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD finances the New Jersey Public Housing Program through which it offers affordable, safe and decent housing solutions and rental assistance to low-income individuals. As per the reports of the Center On Budget And Policy Priorities New Jersey provides 39,000 public housing units for low-income households.
A renowned rental assistance program funded and managed by the US federal government is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. In the state of New Jersey, the program assists low-income individuals and families with decent, safe and affordable housing. Qualified New Jersey residents receive rental vouchers.
The ultimate goal of the FSS assistance program offered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs is to help people rebuild their lives. In short, emergency rental assistance is provided to low-income families, the elderly, disabled and other individuals, and they, in turn, must agree to participate in a series of career counseling, job training, education, and credit rebuilding programs. The New Jersey Department of Human Services also offers financial assistance under the Self-Sufficiency program.
A state agency known as the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs provides financial support, technical assistance and administrative guidance to individuals, businesses, local governments and community development organizations throughout the state to boost the quality of life of poor residents.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs provides assistance programs and supportive services that are related to public concerns for instance rental assistance, privacy protection, finance, housing production, community management and development, local government management and disaster recovery on mitigation. To contact DCA for availing rental assistance programs and other housing-related services you can call 609-376-0802.
The Department of Community Development in Patterson New Jersey is an organization that tries to improve the overall quality of life of New Jersey residents by providing them rental assistance programs and affordable housing policies. The organization aims to enhance the overall quality of housing that is provided to eligible low-income groups.
The Emergency Shelter Grant by the agency provides homeless individuals and families with immediate shelter assistance. The agency distributes funding to emergency housing so that vulnerable populations in New Jersey can access necessary supportive services.
A state-based establishment known as the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency provides low-cost housing and affordable rental assistance to needy households in the state of New Jersey. Individuals and families comprising single moms, senior citizens, disabled individuals and minor children are eligible to receive assistance from the New Jersey housing and mortgage finance agency if they are struggling to pay for their rent and house expenses. The rental and housing assistance agency enables home buyers with affordable mortgage payment deals, amr offers housing solutions for low-income home buyers, renters and homeowners. The refinance rehabilitation program of the agency provides affordable loans to rehabilitate a house.
The Supportive Services For Veterans Affairs in the state of New Jersey assists low-income veterans and provides them with supportive services, rent assistance and case management if they are on the verge of getting evicted or becoming homeless.
USDA Rural Rental Assistance Program is available to New Jersey residents who belong to eligible rural areas and are looking for rent assistance. To receive assistance you need to make sure your monthly rent payment exceeds 30% of your monthly income.
The State Rental Assistance Program is financed by the New Jersey Department Of Community Affairs. The program has been designed to offer much-needed rental assistance for low-income households including senior citizens, disabled individuals, single moms and families with minor children who are navigating housing crises. To learn about the program you can visit the official website or dial 609-292-4080.
Read also: Charlotte Mecklenburg County Rental Assistance Programs
Local Rental Assistance Program In New Jersey
The city of Elizabeth Community Development And Social Services emphasizes improving the living conditions of New Jersey residents by providing them with housing programs. The aim of the city department is to provide rental assistance and housing programs for people who are experiencing eviction or homelessness.
The Greater Bergen Community Action is an organization that aims to eradicate poverty from Bergen County NJ through several housing assistance programs and rental support. The homelessness prevention program by the organization provides important resources to eligible individuals and families before they are evicted or become homeless.
The organization operates a homeless assistance program for adolescents seeking in age between 16 to 21 years and provides them with rent, employment, education, health, nutrition, relationships, financial literacy and many more services.
The Burlington Community Action Partnership reduces the rate of poverty by providing homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing programs. Low-income individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and financial challenges can contact the organization to receive rental assistance and stabilization services. Qualified applicants not only get rental assistance but also credit repair counseling, affordable housing solutions, case management services and money management tips.
The Camden County Board of Social Services is an agency that is committed to providing cost-effective and timely supportive services to residents of Camden County New Jersey.
The agency provides short-term financial support through a general assistance program and temporary assistance for needy families. The financial assistance received through this program will help you to cover your basic needs including rent and utility payment.
The Community Action Program of Essex County assists low-income New Jersey residents with rental and housing assistance so that they can improve their financial situation and lead along with independent living.
The New Jersey Hudson County CAP Inc. works similarly to the Community Action programs and assista low or moderate-income families and individuals with rent and many other housing assistance programs. You can dial 201-210-0200 if you’re living in Hudson County New Jersey and in need of rental help.
Working for 25 years the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders funds a plethora of social service agencies for families living in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
The Middlesex County Housing Continuum Of Care Committee assists homeless people and low-income individuals with rent and housing support programs. The division administers three main housing programs that are sponsored by HUD for instance the Section 8 rental assistance program, community development block grant and home Investment Partnership program.
The agency also provides its own affordable housing solutions and rent assistance services. The agency provides social services and housing help including rental assistance to low-income residents living in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
A few more local assistance program are as follows
- Salem County Board Of Social Services in Salem County
- Cranford Family Care, Plainfield Action Services And Proceed Inc. in Union County New Jersey
- Center For Family Resources in Passaic County
- Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance in Morris County
- Community Outreach Group, Love Thy Neighbor, Community Affairs and Resource Centre, Interfaith Neighbours and Project Paul are a few resources available in Monmouth County
- Homefront, John O Wilson Hamilton Neighborhood Centre Inc., and Arm In Arm are some resources in Mercer County
- Down The Block, East Orange Community Development Corporation, Essex County Government, St. James Social Services Corporation End in Essex County
- Atlantic County Department Of Family and Community Development in Atlantic County
- Center for Food Action in Bergen County
- Burlington County Board of Social Services and God squad Inc. in Burlington County
- City of Camden NJ and Senior Citizen United Community Services in Camden County
- Hudson County Office Of Social Services in Hudson County
- Warren County Government in Warren County
Nonprofits And Organization That Provide Rental Assistance Programs In The State Of New Jersey
The nonprofit organization known as Homefront aims to reduce homelessness throughout the state. The objective of the nonprofit is to help families and individuals break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Low-income individuals going through economic difficulties and housing instability can get a safe and secure shelter with the assistance of the organization by dialing 609-989-9417.
A local organization in the state of New Jersey known as Interfaith Neighbors Inc. has been working for 30 years and assisting local New Jersey residents with financial and housing assistance to educate homelessness and eviction.
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New Jersey Shelter Housing Exit Program (SHE)
Those who have been victimized by gender violence along with their children can benefit from this program. SHE provides its services to those who are currently living in transitional housing, low-income housing or shelters. A portion of security deposits and rental assistance is provided through the Shelter Housing Exit Program.
A local civil rights organization known as Legal Services of New Jersey provides legal support to vulnerable and economically disadvantaged New Jersey population. To learn more about how to avail legal assistance for forced eviction you can dial 888-576-5529 or visit the official website.
The United Way is a charity that is widely known for offering community support through local United Way branches. New Jersey residents who are navigating financial hardship and are struggling to pay for their rent, utilities or any other basic needs can contact the charity. United Way provides emergency financial assistance including utility and rent payments.
People who are victims of domestic abuse or violence including their children are often in need of rent and housing assistance to live an independent life. Those looking for rent and housing assistance to get rid of domestic violence can benefit from the New Jersey Coalition To End Homelessness. The resource provides help with rent and security deposit assistance. To apply for the shelter housing exit program you can visit the official websit.
Family Promise is a nonprofit organization that offers homeless individuals and families supportive services, meals, shelter and rental assistance programs. If you’re looking for rent assistance from this nonprofit organization in New Jersey then you can dial 908-273-1100.
The community-based nonprofit organization known as Coalition on AIDS in Passaic County Inc. provides non-medical case management and medical services for individuals who are infected with HIV/ AIDS or any other sexually transmitted diseases. The organization provides temporary rental help to eligible applicants through its Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Program HOPWA.
Under the same HOPWA program the Housing and Urban Development gives grant opportunities to state and local communities including nonprofit organizations so that HIV or AIDS infected individuals can receive rental assistance, emergency shelter, emergency housing, security deposit assistance and permanent housing solutions.
A nonprofit organization in the state of New Jersey known as Housing Initiatives of Princeton has been working since 2004 to assist low-income individuals and working families to succeed and thrive in their lives. The security deposit assistance by the agency helps people who are struggling to pay their security deposits. Individuals who are living in Princeton County, New Jersey are eligible to receive assistance with the program.
A nonprofit organization known as Beyond Economic Opportunity Foundation provides rental assistance and housing counseling through HPRP and HPP grants. Low-income individuals and families who are living in Bayonne County New Jersey and are facing homelessness can secure safe rental assistance through this foundation. You can contact the foundation by dialing 201-437-7222.
The Tri-City People’s Corporation provides a variety of community-based supportive services that range from rental assistance and education to housing and job training programs. Low-income renters who are looking for financial assistance to afford their rent and utility payments can contact the organization directly by visiting the official website or by dialing 973-675-4484.
The Affordable Housing Alliance is an organization that provides supportive services, housing-associated financial counseling and affordable housing solutions to low-income New Jersey residents. Besides, the organization also assists needy families with rent and utility assistance. To contact the Affordable Housing Alliance you can dial 732-389-2958.
The Salvation Army in the state of New Jersey provides different types of support services and assistance to needy residents with rent and utility help. The general rental assistance program by the nonprofit assists low and moderate-income families and enables them to pay their rent and secure permanent housing solutions. Financially challenged individuals and families who need housing assistance or free household items can get in touch with the organization.
What Other Rental Assistance Programs available in USA
- Florida Emergency Rental assistance Help paying rent in Florida
- New York Emergency Rental assistance programs
- Charlotte Mecklenburg County Rental Assistance Programs
- Los Angeles California Emergency Rental Assistance Programs Low Income
- Massachusetts Emergency Rental Assistance Help paying rent
- Texas Emergency rental assistance
- California Emergency Rental assistance Help paying rent
- Pennsylvania Emergency Rental Assistance Program Low Income
- Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program Low Income Family
- Atlanta Emergency Rent Assistance Programs Low Income
- Louisiana Emergency Rent Assistance Programs that Stop Eviction
- Indiana Rent assistance Programs That Help with Rent
Conclusion
Safe and affordable housing is a basic need for everyone. Unfortunately, low-income families living in the state of New Jersey often struggle to pay for their housing rent. As a result, many of them suffer from homelessness or forced eviction. Fortunately, there are governmental organizations, faith-based community organizations and charities that offer housing solutions and rental assistance programs to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Nonprofit Organizations Help Low-Income New Jersey Residents With Rent?
Nonprofit organizations in the state of New Jersey are committed to assisting needy people who are unable to get a safe and secure shelter. Various assistance programs provide counseling services and utility and rent assistance to low-cost and safe housing support for needy New Jersey residents.
How Does The SRAP Program Help New Jersey Residents with Rental Help?
The program will offer housing and rental assistance to individuals only if they fail to qualify for the Section 8 housing choice voucher program. Once you are accepted into the SRAP program you receive assistance up to 40% of housing and rental costs depending on your location and household size. Eligible applicants can receive rental assistance for up to five years.