(RightIsRight.co) – Homeless veterans received good news on Veterans Day as New Jersey announced its $30 million “Bringing Veterans Home” initiative to secure homes for over 1,000 veterans who lack a place to live.
The initiative, spearheaded by Acting Governor Tahesha Way, combined state and federal funds in a public-private partnership.
It involved collaboration between the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (VA), and veteran service organizations.
Alarmingly, New Jersey’s homeless rate has surged by 24% since 2023, with veterans comprising 5.4% of the adult homeless population.
The proposal includes programs such as diversion, rapid rehousing, emergency sheltering, and permanent housing vouchers. Six regional hubs will be established to coordinate cases across county lines.
Governor Phil Murphy said, “New Jersey veterans deserve our utmost respect and support—after serving our country, they should never worry about where they will sleep at night.”
“My Administration is proud to partner with our veteran service organizations to invest in the fight against veteran homelessness and ensure that it will be rare and brief in New Jersey,” he added.
While Governor Murphy’s statement is commendable, it is questionable why veterans are becoming homeless in the first place.
Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger raised valid concerns, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive solutions addressing root causes like medical issues, substance abuse, and mental health.
Moreover, the initiative allows homeless veterans to apply through a statewide homelessness hotline or by connecting with participating service providers.
Self-referrals will be available by early 2025, empowering veterans to seek assistance through a streamlined process.
This includes a web referral form, the NJ 211 homelessness hotline, or participating service providers. Direct outreach aims to assist those in homeless encampments or unable to navigate the application process independently.
“The Bringing Home Veterans Home initiative represents a groundbreaking step toward ensuring that no veteran in New Jersey has to endure the hardship of homelessness. They served us – now it’s our turn to serve them,” DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn Suarez stated.
While Commissioner Suarez’s statement is optimistic, similar initiatives have been launched before with limited success.
The effectiveness of this program remains to be seen, and taxpayers should demand transparency and accountability in its implementation.
The “Bringing Veterans Home” initiative is a pioneering step toward ensuring that no veteran in New Jersey faces homelessness.
It exemplifies the state’s commitment to its heroes by addressing the veterans’ housing crisis with significant investment and coordinated efforts.
The ultimate goal is to effectively end veteran homelessness by 2027, a monumental commitment to the service of those who have served.
