Supportive Housing
Permanent supportive housing means a range of permanent housing options such as
apartments, condominiums, townhouses, single and multi-family homes, shared living, and
supportive living arrangements that provide access to on-site or off-site supportive services
for individuals and families who can benefit from housing with services. Permanent
supportive housing has as its primary purpose of assisting the individual or family to live
independently in the community and meet the obligations of tenancy. Tenants may have
individual or shared apartments and there is no limitation for length of tenancy.
Community residences means group homes, supervised apartments, and other types of
shared living environments that are primarily for occupancy by individuals with special needs
who shall occupy such housing as their usual and permanent residence. Typically,
community residences provide 24 hour/7 days a week on-site staffing and supervision.
Individuals with special needs means:
• individuals with mental illness
• individuals with physical or developmental disabilities
• individuals in other emerging special needs groups identified by State agencies.
• victims of domestic violence
• ex-offenders and youth offenders
• youth aging out of foster care
• runaway and homeless youth
• individuals and families who are homeless
• disabled and homeless veterans
• individuals with AIDS/HIV
• individuals in treatment for substance abuse
• Individuals 18 years and over transitioning from nursing homes
Individuals with mental illness means individuals with a psychiatric disability or
individuals with a mental illness eligible for housing or services funded by the Division
of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) in the Department of Human
Services.
Individuals with a developmental disability means an individual with a severe, chronic
disability, which is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of
mental or physical impairments; is manifested before the person attains age 22 and is
likely to continue indefinitely. The disability results in substantial functional limitations
in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care; receptive and
expressive languages; learning; mobility; self-direction; capacity for independent living;
and economic sufficiency; and reflects the person’s need for a combination and sequence
of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment or other services that are of
lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
Individuals with a physical disability who need affordable housing with supportive
services, including assistance with 3 or more areas of activities of daily living, to live
independently in community settings.
Individuals transitioning from nursing homes means individuals aged 18 years and
over who are living in nursing homes and have been assessed as being capable of living
in the community with supportive services.
Funding for Supportive Housing
Special Needs Housing Subsidy Loan Program (SNHSLP)
The Special Needs Housing Subsidy Loan Program (SNHSLP) is a housing assistance initiative designed to support individuals with special needs who require affordable and accessible housing options. The program is administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA).
SNHSLP offers low-interest loans to developers and nonprofit organizations to facilitate the development, rehabilitation, or acquisition of housing units specifically targeted towards individuals with special needs. These housing units are typically designed to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance abuse disorders, or other special needs.
The program aims to increase the availability of safe, decent, and affordable housing for individuals with special needs, allowing them to live independently or with appropriate support services. SNHSLP loans help developers and organizations finance the construction or renovation of supportive housing developments, ensuring that these vulnerable populations have access to stable housing and the necessary supportive services to thrive in their communities.
Overall, the SNHSLP plays a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of individuals with special needs in New Jersey, promoting inclusion, independence, and quality of life.
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides rental assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities. In New Jersey, the program is implemented in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and local housing agencies.
The Section 811 PRA program aims to increase the supply of affordable and accessible housing for people with disabilities by subsidizing rental payments. Eligible individuals receive rental assistance vouchers, which help them afford housing in the private rental market.
Key features of the Section 811 PRA program in New Jersey include:
Eligibility: Individuals with disabilities who meet income and other eligibility requirements are eligible to apply for Section 811 PRA assistance.
Housing Choice: Participants have the flexibility to choose their housing, including apartments, townhouses, or single-family homes, as long as the units meet program guidelines.
Supportive Services: In addition to rental assistance, participants may receive supportive services to help them live independently, such as case management, personal care assistance, or counseling.
Affordable Rent: Rent payments are based on the individual's income, with the Section 811 PRA subsidy covering the difference between the tenant's contribution and the total rent amount.
Collaboration: The program involves collaboration between HUD, state housing agencies, local housing authorities, and service providers to ensure that eligible individuals receive the support they need.
Section 811 PRA plays a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of people with disabilities in New Jersey, helping them access safe, affordable, and supportive housing options in the community.
Special Needs Housing Trust Fund
The Special Needs Housing Trust Fund (SNHTF) in New Jersey is a state-funded program established to support the development and preservation of affordable and accessible housing for individuals with special needs. The program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and is aimed at addressing the housing needs of various vulnerable populations, including individuals with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and other special needs.
Key aspects of the Special Needs Housing Trust Fund in New Jersey include:
Funding: The SNHTF provides financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, or other subsidies to developers, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and housing authorities for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of housing units targeted towards individuals with special needs.
Accessibility: Housing projects funded by the SNHTF are required to meet accessibility standards to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This includes features such as wheelchair accessibility, modified units for individuals with mobility impairments, and other accommodations as needed.
Supportive Services: In addition to providing affordable and accessible housing, projects supported by the SNHTF may also offer supportive services tailored to the needs of the residents. These services may include case management, healthcare assistance, life skills training, and access to community resources.
Collaboration: The SNHTF encourages collaboration between developers, service providers, local governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that housing projects effectively meet the needs of individuals with special needs and promote community integration and inclusion.
Overall, the Special Needs Housing Trust Fund in New Jersey plays a critical role in expanding the availability of housing options for individuals with special needs, promoting independence, stability, and improved quality of life.
Money Follows the Person Housing Partnership Program (MFPHPP)
The Money Follows the Person Housing Partnership Program (MFPHPP) in New Jersey is an initiative aimed at assisting individuals transitioning from institutional settings, such as nursing homes or psychiatric hospitals, back into community-based housing. The program is designed to support individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions who wish to live independently in the community.
Key features of the MFPHPP in New Jersey include:
Housing Assistance: The program provides financial assistance and supportive services to help eligible individuals secure and maintain housing in the community. This may include rental subsidies, security deposits, utility assistance, and other housing-related expenses.
Person-Centered Planning: MFPHPP emphasizes person-centered planning, which involves tailoring support services to meet the unique needs and preferences of each participant. This may include assistance with finding suitable housing, accessing healthcare services, and connecting with community resources.
Supportive Services: Participants in the program may receive a range of supportive services to help them live independently, such as case management, personal care assistance, medication management, and skills training.
Collaboration: MFPHPP involves collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including state agencies, housing providers, service organizations, and advocacy groups. This collaboration helps ensure that participants receive comprehensive support to transition successfully to community-based living.
Medicaid Funding: The program is funded through Medicaid and is part of a larger national initiative aimed at rebalancing long-term care services by promoting community-based care options over institutional settings.
Overall, the Money Follows the Person Housing Partnership Program in New Jersey plays a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions to transition from institutional settings to community-based housing, promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Tax Credit Supportive Housing Cycle
The Multifamily Supportive Housing and Lending Division works with the Agency’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program to support submission and review of applications for the Supportive Housing Cycle under the Agency’s Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). The Supported Housing and Special Needs Division partners with the Tax Credit Division to review proposed qualified (meeting the threshold) projects that serve people with special needs.
Currently, Special Needs Projects in which at least 25% of the tax credit units are rented to a special needs population and which provide appropriate supportive services are eligible to apply to the Special Needs Cycle. Additional points may be provided to those applications which demonstrate the provision of on-site or off-site education and job training assistance.