With well over 500 homeless veterans throughout New Jersey and a particular need for shelters in the southern part of the state, three Assembly Democrats sponsor legislation to provide funding for homeless veterans shelters in certain counties.
Under the bill (A-5076), grants would be awarded by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) under the “Southern New Jersey Homeless Veterans Shelter Grant Program” for homeless veterans shelters proposed in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties.
Upon the measure being advanced by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Assembly sponsors Carol Murphy, Herb Conaway (both D-Burlington) and Daniel Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex) issued the following joint statement:
“The mental, physical and social challenges many veterans face after serving in the Armed Forces can unfortunately place them at risk for housing insecurity. Veterans of color and those with mental illnesses or disabilities experience homelessness at even greater rates than their peers. Each and every veteran deserves not only our gratitude for their service, but also our support upon their return to civilian life. Providing grants for homeless shelters in areas where many of New Jersey’s veterans struggle to find housing will help ensure our state does not leave any of our veterans behind.”
The legislation now heads to the Assembly Speaker for further consideration.