New Jersey has announced a significant achievement in its "Bringing Veterans Home" initiative, establishing a fully funded, coordinated support system to ensure no veteran in the state experiences homelessness. This milestone means that more veterans are now entering stable housing each month than are becoming homeless, a performance the initiative is consistently sustaining.
Governor Mikie Sherrill, speaking at the Trenton War Memorial, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of this accomplishment. "No veteran in our state should endure the hardship of homelessness," said Governor Sherrill, emphasizing New Jersey's leadership in this critical issue and its readiness to serve as a model for other states. DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez added that the work extends beyond housing placement to long-term stability, ensuring veterans receive necessary support.
Launched in November 2024, the initiative committed over $30 million in state and federal funds over two years to house veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness and provide support services. Since its inception, the State has successfully placed more than 2,500 veterans in permanent housing. DVA Commissioner Vincent Solomeno III praised the program for organizing government efforts around achieving desired outcomes rather than bureaucratic navigation.
The program operates through six regional coordination hubs, managed by social services organizations specializing in homelessness interventions. These hubs provide access to various state and federal resources, including Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (VASH) vouchers, State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) vouchers, HOME program assistance, and Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF) programs. Referrals can be made online, by veterans themselves through NJ Vet2Vet or NJ 211, or by existing service providers.
The initiative aims to contact veterans within 24 hours of referral and achieve stable housing placement within 30 days. DCA Assistant Commissioner Janel Winter noted that the paradigm has shifted to a sustainable system providing quick and effective outreach. Tina McGill, director of DCA's Office of Homelessness Prevention, attributed the success to consistent partner participation, robust communication, and shared data visibility, suggesting a framework for other vulnerable populations.