(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) issued the following statement in response to the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) issuing 30 Notices of Violation to housing providers across the State for allegedly violating New Jersey’s Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA).
“Access to safe, affordable housing has long been a priority in the Legislature. Many individuals struggle to overcome the stigma associated with their criminal history, and are written off before having the opportunity to explain themselves or discuss a housing application they have submitted. Without access to stable housing, it can be very difficult for men and women to take advantage of their second chance and successfully reenter society.
At a time when evictions are on the rise and the threat of homelessness is very real for families across New Jersey, it is critical to hold housing providers accountable for discriminating against those with a prior criminal history. I commend the Division on Civil Rights for issuing notices of violation to housing providers across the state. With this action, we are standing up for what is right and giving residents in these types of situations a fair chance to rebuild their lives.”