Acting Governor Tahesha Way has announced the launch of the Bringing Veterans Home initiative, a collaborative effort by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). The announcement was made during the State Veterans’ Day Ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum in Holmdel.
The initiative is backed by more than $30 million in state and federal funds over two years, aiming to provide stable housing for over 1,000 homeless veterans in New Jersey. This marks a first-time formal partnership between veteran service organizations and the state to combat veteran homelessness. DCA’s Office of Homelessness Prevention will lead this project with DMAVA.
“We must always take the time to express our gratitude and honor the bravery and selflessness of our veterans,” said Acting Governor Way. “The courageous men and women who have served our country should never bear the weight of homelessness. Our Administration is committed to connecting veterans with the resources they need for the housing they deserve.”
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized that New Jersey veterans should not worry about their sleeping arrangements after serving their country. He stated, “My Administration is proud to partner with our veteran service organizations to invest in the fight against veteran homelessness and ensure that it will be rare and brief in New Jersey.”
DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez highlighted that "the Bringing Veterans Home Initiative represents a groundbreaking step toward ensuring that no veteran in New Jersey has to endure the hardship of homelessness." She expressed pride in leading this mission alongside DMAVA.
Col. Yvonne Mays, DMAVA Commissioner, noted their long-standing work with homeless veterans through programs like Veterans Haven. She believes combining resources with DCA will effectively address this issue.
Michael Callahan, Director of Office of Homelessness Prevention, described BVH as a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming how services are provided to homeless veterans across New Jersey.
The initiative includes enhancing existing care systems through various programs such as rapid rehousing, street outreach, emergency sheltering, and permanent housing vouchers. It also involves establishing regional hubs for improved coordination across county lines.
Starting early 2025, veterans can self-refer via an online form or through NJ 211 hotline services among other methods. Outreach teams will engage directly with unsheltered veterans for immediate placement into housing solutions.
For more information on DCA or DMAVA services or if facing immediate risks of homelessness, individuals are encouraged to contact local resources or visit department websites for assistance.
