The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in New Jersey has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its outstanding management of the Section 8 program. The DCA's Division of Housing and Community Resources received a "High Performer" designation based on HUD's scoring criteria outlined in the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP), achieving a perfect score of 100 points for its performance in 2024.
"The exceptional track record of the DCA in managing HUD's Section 8 housing voucher program is a model for other programs that administer aid to New Jersey residents," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. "The DCA's housing voucher program has helped many veterans, low-income families, people with disabilities, and seniors find safe and affordable housing in the private market. Each voucher means that a family has access to a space they call home and hope for a better future."
New Jersey's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is one of the largest in the nation, distributing over 24,000 vouchers with an annual budget exceeding $300 million. This funding allowed the DCA to assist military veterans, homeless individuals, and families. In October 2024, HUD celebrated its 50th anniversary of serving the public nationwide through the HCV program.
"The success of the program is due to the dedication of staff who go beyond merely following HUD guidelines. They pave pathways that allow us to provide better service to our residents," stated Janel Winter, Deputy Commissioner of DCA and Director of the Division of Housing and Community Resources. "The DCA staff has established a foundation of best practices based on data measuring standard service; then changes are made from fieldwork to further increase efficiency and impact on communities served."
Over the past decade, DCA significantly expanded its Section 8 voucher program. In 2024 alone, it issued 25% more housing vouchers and increased budget allocation by 50% compared to ten years prior while doubling housing assistance staff.
According to HUD, SEMAP evaluates public housing agencies' performance across fourteen strategic areas indicating whether they effectively help eligible families pay for decent rental units at reasonable subsidy costs as provided under federal housing legislation.
The DCA excelled across all performance areas but scored exceptionally high on quality control inspections ensuring housing quality and expanding housing choices outside poverty or minority concentration areas.
This year’s key achievements within DCA’s HCV program include data-driven modifications based on best practices; deployment of housing navigators assisting tenants in finding available units; fostering relationships with landlords increasing unit availability; adopting fairer progressive criminal background review periods; implementing small area fair market rents required by HUD opening up new opportunities statewide.
The Division manages VHC’s Section 8 program strengthening communities through affordable housing delivery alongside supportive services offering financial technical assistance locally enhancing community resilience against challenges like disasters or economic shifts while promoting sustainable development initiatives throughout New Jersey regions benefiting diverse populations equitably distributed resources enhancing overall living standards improving quality life prospects universally shared among residents contributing positively towards long-term societal growth objectives envisioned collaboratively pursued partnerships stakeholders involved collectively advancing common goals interests mutually beneficially achieved ultimately realized successfully accomplished sustainably maintained continuously progressing forward dynamically evolving contextually adapting changing circumstances responding proactively innovatively creatively addressing emerging needs demands effectively 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