Acting Governor Tahesha Way has announced the launch of the Bringing Veterans Home (BVH) initiative, a joint effort by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and 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 BVH initiative is backed by over $30 million in state and federal funding to assist more than 1,000 homeless veterans in New Jersey with stable housing over two years. This marks a first for veteran service organizations in New Jersey to formally collaborate with the state to combat unsheltered veteran homelessness. The initiative will be managed by DCA’s Office of Homelessness Prevention, working alongside 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 support for veterans: “New Jersey veterans deserve our utmost respect and support—after serving our country, they should never worry about where they will sleep at night. 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 called it a groundbreaking step: "The Bringing Veterans Home Initiative represents a groundbreaking step toward ensuring that no veteran in New Jersey has to endure the hardship of homelessness."
Col. Yvonne Mays from DMAVA highlighted their experience: “Combining our veteran service organizations’ connections with DCA’s programs and network of providers will be an effective strategy to attack this problem.”
Office of Homelessness Prevention Director Michael Callahan described it as transformative: "The Bringing Veterans Home initiative represents New Jersey's unwavering commitment... By bridging jurisdictional boundaries, eliminating service gaps, and creating dedicated pathways to permanent housing, we're building a system that ensures no veteran or National Guard member in New Jersey will have to wonder where they'll sleep at night."
The BVH aims to support those experiencing homelessness who meet federal and state definitions of “veteran,” including service members and National Guard members. It plans enhancements through diversion, rapid rehousing, street outreach, emergency sheltering, and permanent housing voucher programs.
A portion of BVH funds will enhance data infrastructure across six regional hubs for better coordination around veteran homelessness outcomes. Starting early 2025, veterans can self-refer via various channels like a web form or hotline.
For more information on DMAVA services or immediate assistance facing homelessness risks, visit https://www.nj.gov/military/ or call 2-1-1.
