The Murphy Administration has announced the allocation of over $26 million to organizations across New Jersey through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). This fund, managed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), provides financial assistance for affordable housing access for residents in various communities throughout the state.
"At the start of our Administration, I committed, along with the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, to redesign the state's affordable housing system to achieve a more affordable cost of living for our diligent and hardworking residents in New Jersey. The awarding of over $26 million through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is the latest example of putting that commitment into action," said Governor Phillip Murphy. "We will continue to prioritize this initiative on this front until all workers and families in our state can find a safe and affordable place they can call 'home.'"
"The Murphy Administration has empowered the Department of Community Affairs both with commitment and funds to address the shortage of affordable housing in New Jersey," stated DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez, who also serves as Director of DCA's Division of Local Government Services. "Each of these development projects means access to modern, safe, accessible, and affordable housing where families can live and children can grow. Through this transformative investment, we will strengthen neighborhoods, create more diverse communities, and promote economic growth."
All grants have been awarded to projects with 25 units or less for rental and homeownership; projects that often struggle to secure funding due to their size. They aim to close gaps within the existing affordable housing framework, leverage current assets and investments, and add value to neighborhoods. These projects are also being developed by community organizations deeply connected with housing equity issues in their communities.
The AHTF grants are distributed through three funds:
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund also supported the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) in support of the Jumpstart Program. This program offers comprehensive training for developers and certification for those interested in producing quality affordable housing. It is available for nonprofit community developers focusing on real estate developers for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities. The Jumpstart Program focuses on developing homeownership opportunities to help close the racial wealth gap in New Jersey.
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Grants
Common Funding Pool: Neighborhood Partnership Fund
Branch Village V
Common Funding Pool – Municipal Settlement Fund
Common Funding Pool: Innovation Fund
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund is administered by DCA's Division of Housing and Community Resources. The Division's mission is to strengthen and revitalize communities by providing affordable housing, supportive services, financial assistance, and technical support to local governments and grassroots organizations.
The DCA offers a wide range of programs and services including local government administration and finance, affordable housing development, rental assistance, fire safety, building security, disaster recovery and mitigation, historic preservation planning and community development planning.
