Historic investment will help DCA serve all military veterans and homelessness sufferers on the Section 8 waiting list.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has made a landmark announcement: it has received a record-breaking $291.6 million in federal funding for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program for 2023.
This grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is the highest annual amount ever received by the DCA. The Section 8 HCV program plays a critical role in assisting low-income households with their rent, providing direct rent subsidy payments to landlords.
This historic funding enables the DCA to assist an additional 2,500 military veterans and 2,500 individuals experiencing homelessness who are currently on the Section 8 waiting list. In total, the awarded funds will provide 24,260 households across the state with Section 8 housing vouchers.
Compared to last year, this year’s Section 8 renewal funding is $28.9 million higher and approximately $73 million more than five years ago.
Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, serving as DCA Commissioner, expressed gratitude for the unprecedented funding.
"We appreciate the record amount of Section 8 funding awarded to DCA and HUD’s confidence in DCA’s ability to effectively administer the program," Oliver said.
She highlighted the effective utilization of the housing vouchers, with over 99% being used throughout the year.
DCA has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness, earning the Section 8 High Performer designation from HUD for five consecutive years. DCA Assistant Commissioner and Division of Housing and Community Resources Director, Janel Winter, echoed Oliver's enthusiasm, emphasizing how this funding will expedite the housing support to those in need.
In addition to the program funding, DCA was awarded $29.4 million in administrative funding to enhance the operation of the Section 8 HCV program and boost landlord participation.
Aiming to improve the Section 8 process, DCA is set to launch the Document Access and Support of Housing (DASH) program. This initiative will assist households in navigating the Section 8 process and ensure the full utilization of their housing vouchers.
As DCA continues to make strides in affordable housing and community development, this federal funding marks a significant step towards a more secure housing future for many of New Jersey's most vulnerable residents.
For more information about the Section 8 HCV program or DCA, visit their website.
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