The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has released a video showcasing its efforts to prevent homelessness and provide swift sheltering solutions when it occurs. The video features Angela Fields, Executive Director of Family Promise of Hunterdon County, which is part of the DCA's network of over 70 nonprofit organizations aimed at assisting individuals who are homeless or at risk in New Jersey.
The initiative is coordinated by DCA’s Division of Housing and Community Resources, Office of Homelessness Prevention. "Our programs coordinate efforts to prevent homelessness by finding practical and creative ways to keep people in their homes whenever possible and to quickly shelter people should they become homeless," stated DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. She emphasized the effectiveness of partnering with community-based organizations across the state.
Angela Fields highlighted the often unnoticed issue of homelessness in rural areas due to their vast landscapes. "People that become homeless often run out of people to assist them during times of crisis," she said, emphasizing the role her organization plays in guiding families through such situations.
DCA Assistant Commissioner Janel Winter expressed optimism about collaborative efforts among stakeholders like local governments, nonprofits, residents, and businesses. "We look forward to continuing to build these collaborative networks and strengthen existing ones so that we can better address homelessness and its underlying causes," she remarked.
Recently, the Office of Homelessness Prevention (OHP) allocated over $7.1 million to nonprofit organizations statewide through programs designed for homelessness diversion and prevention. Additionally, more than $7.2 million is being invested through partnerships with legal and community-based organizations to offer legal services and financial assistance for households facing eviction.
Since FY23, these initiatives have aided approximately 10,685 households at risk of eviction. The OHP also supports local Continuums of Care with technical and financial resources aimed at ending regional homelessness.
Besides these programs, OHP manages various other initiatives including Rural and Suburban Street Outreach, Rapid Re-Housing, Integrated Homelessness Prevention Services, Document Assistance for Housing (DASH), among others.
The Office of Homelessness Prevention operates under the Division of Housing and Community Resources with a mission focused on strengthening communities via affordable housing solutions and supportive services.
The DCA provides an array of services ranging from local government management to disaster recovery planning.
For more information on OHP programs: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/dhcrohp.shtml
