The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced that nine New Jersey organizations were awarded a total of $6.3 million in federal Housing Trust Fund (HTF) monies to create rental housing for extremely low-income individuals and families. The federal funding that DCA receives comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Reformed Church of Highland Park was one of the nine New Jersey projects to win a grant for the acquisition and substantial rehabilitation of three rental units.
“Governor Murphy and I are working everyday to make New Jersey a place where housing is more affordable and accessible for everyone regardless of income level,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. “These nine projects will certainly help individuals and families who are most in need find stable, safe housing that has a positive effect on their quality of life. We are thankful for the funding we received from the federal government to assist us in this important pursuit.”
Nine organizations in six different counties will be renovating and constructing a total of 23 rental units for individuals with extremely low-income levels and special needs. In addition to receiving HTF funds for their projects, the organizations will also get financial assistance from DCA’s Division of Housing and Community Resources in the form of project-based rental housing vouchers once the rental units are complete.
The Housing Trust Fund was established in 2008 after Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act. DCA receives, distributes, and administers HTF dollars for the State. The program provides zero-interest loans to eligible housing developers to create affordable rental units through either new construction, rehabilitation, or redevelopment. Occupancy of the units developed under this program is restricted to households at or below 30 percent of Area Median Income as defined by HUD for a period of at least 30 years.
Established in 1967, DCA offers a wide range of programs and services that respond to issues of public concern including affordable housing production, fire safety and building safety, community planning and development, local government management and finance, and disaster recovery.