The Hudson County government and City of Jersey City have received a combined $17,457,393 in American Rescue Plan aid to allocate towards emergency shelter, affordable housing, and support services for people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“While the COVID and economic crises left millions struggling to meet the costs of daily life, from rent and electric to food and medications, it’s also left many communities badly in need of resources to provide adequate emergency, temporary and affordable housing assistance for people experiencing homelessness,” U.S. Senator Bob Menendez said in a statement.
“Thankfully, the American Rescue Plan is delivering this badly needed funding so that communities can increase safe and healthy housing options to support individuals and families who’ve found themselves without a home during the pandemic.”
Nationwide, the rescue plan included $5 billion for the HOME Investments Partnership program to provide funding for supportive services, transitional housing, housing counseling, and homeless prevention services.
Additionally, it also allows communities to acquire commercial properties such as hotels and motels — often available at relatively low cost — and convert them to safe, non-congregate shelter, affordable housing, or supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.
“I was proud to support this critical funding and resources for New Jersey from the American Rescue Plan,” added U.S. Senator Cory Booker.
“This new round of grant money will help expand affordable housing supply in our state, benefiting low-income families and helping the most vulnerable among us recover from the devastating effects of this pandemic.”
Hudson County netted $9,754,242, compared to $7,703,151 for Jersey City. As a whole, New Jersey received $132 million for the Home Investments Partnership.
