Some individuals like the low-income earners, the disabled, seniors, and single moms may find it challenging to find affordable housing. Fortunately, there a good number of housing assistance programs available in the State of New Jersey. Keep reading this article for more information.
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency’s First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program
This program offers first-time homebuyers in New Jersey a competitive 30-year, fixed-rate government-insured loan. The loan provided originated through an NJMFA participating. Those eligible for this program include individuals who have never owned a home for the last three years and are buying a home for the first time. Also, your home must be located in New Jersey and your income must not exceed 140% of Area Median Income. Find out more at https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homeownership/buyers/first/.
NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance Program
The NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance Program provides an interest-free, five-year forgivable second loan of up to $10,000. The loan has no monthly payment and can be used to cover down payment, and closing costs. Are you ready to get started? Well, reach out to one of the NJHMFA’s participating lenders at https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homeownership/buyers/lenders/index.html, and inquire about an NJHMFA First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program Loan.
New Jersey Citizen Action’s Foreclosure Counseling Program
Citizen Action is committed to providing in-person foreclosure counseling to low-income homeowners struggling financially and are at risk of facing foreclosure. The counselors operating under NJCA are certified by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), and services are provided mainly in English and Spanish. The counselors are there to help you identify the causes and solutions to your financial situation. That is if you are having trouble paying your monthly mortgage. They will also help you communicate and negotiate with your lender or servicer and assist you in determining if you are eligible for ant state or federal foreclosure support programs. Please visit https://njcitizenaction.org/?page_id=192#:~:text=Citizen%20Action%20offers%20free%20in,are%20currently%20being%20provided%20remotely for more information.
Department of Human Services: Emergency Assistance (EA)
The Emergency Assistance (EA) provides benefits, including shelter and household furnishing, temporary rental assistance, utility payments, and transportation to search for housing. These services are provided specifically to the homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and those who have lost their homes or household furnishing due to fire outbreaks, or other disasters like floods. The program assists for 12 months. However, the period might be extended under certain hardship conditions, with specific limitations. For more information, please visit https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/emergency/.
The Homeless Prevention Program (HPP)
The purpose of HPP is to provide temporary assistance to individuals and households facing eviction due to short-term loss of income. Your reasons for loss must be due to temporary layoff, health emergencies such as disability, substantial or permanent change in household position, or large, unexpected expense such as major car repair payment.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must demonstrate the ability to pay your rent in the future.
- You must be legally in the U.S.
- You must be a resident of the State of New Jersey.
- Your annual income must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income.
- You must have a warrant of removal from landlord-tenant court.
NOTE: You are not eligible for the Homeless Prevention Program if you are receiving a housing subsidy on a rental assistance program. You are not eligible if you are just being released from prison and if you are in TANF and SSI programs. for more information, please visit https://www.wcfamilypromise.org/homelessness-prevention-program#:~:text=The%20HOMELESSNESS%20PREVENTION%20PROGRAM%20(HPP,short%2Dterm%20loss%20of%20income.
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
The FSS program is available for individuals and families who are currently active in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Here, individuals who agree to participate in job training, career counseling, education, and social service programs receive rental assistance. For more inquiries, please call (609) 292-3846.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is committed to eliminating poverty housing and homelessness by working closely with the individuals and households in need of assistance. Habitat for Humanity uses the funds and materials in constructing decent houses and then sells them to low-income families at no-interest cost. People who benefit from this program help in constructing their own homes and those of neighbors. The program gives priority to families with the greatest need for affordable and decent housing are. Families must demonstrate the ability to meet all obligations of owning a home to be considered. Please visit http://www.habitat.org/ for more information.
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program
The HPRP works to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals and households in need of housing support. The program also provides case management and other housing services, including temporary rapid re-housing to individuals and households who are homeless, living in the streets, or the emergency shelters. It works with other partners in identifying the most pressing housing needs and help victims find permanent and safe housing. The program is also for individuals at risk of homelessness due to eviction summons. In such cases, applicants must provide a warrant or summons of removal from the landlord-tenant court. Besides, the court papers must contain a docket number and must be a maximum of 6 months old. You must have a gross annual income of not more than 30% of AMI. Find the HPRP agency list at https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/docs/hprpagencycontacts.pdf.
The Greater Bergen Community Action’s Homeless Prevention Program
The program provides housing assistance to individuals facing eviction or at risk of eviction or those required to find new housing due to financial struggles. The eligible families and individuals may qualify for financial assistance, such as partial or full rent payment. Other forms of financial support include help with a security deposit for new housing to resolve the homelessness situation. the program also provides other services, including interpretation of tenant-right, referrals for legal services, and financial counseling to help minimize the possibility of being homeless.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a resident of Bergen County.
- You must be classified under low-income earners.
- You must have received an eviction notice or warrant of removal or proof of homelessness.
- You must demonstrate a temporary financial problem that is beyond your control.
How Does the Program Work?
Some financial counselors are certified by HUD to help you create your household budget. The counselors then will help you determine the causes and the possible solutions to your financial situation. You may then qualify for relief, which can come in form of payments of utility bills, rent arrears, and a security deposit of your first month’s rent for you to obtain new rental housing. Your counselor will do follow-ups to ensure you are on the right track. For more information, please visit https://www.greaterbergen.org/homelessness-prevention.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
This program is designed to help low-income homeowners pay their utility and colling monthly bills. The program also makes the emergency heating system and fuel assistance available for those families spending most of their monthly income in paying for energy. The program works to ensure energy efficiency in the homes of eligible individuals and families. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for the program? Well, review the Energy Assistance Program Fact Sheet and Income guidelines at https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/docs/usfhea_fact_sheet.pdf. If you have verified that you are eligible, please fill out the application form. Once you have completed the form, submit it to your local community action agency. The list of local application agencies ‘ contact information is available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/agencydirectorylist.html. For more information about the program, please visit https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/hea.html.
New Jersey’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
Section 8 Housing in New Jersey help low-income individuals and families to easily access quality and affordable housing. the program reduces the housing costs for the eligible and makes direct rent subsidy payments to the landlords and property owners on behalf of the low-income renters. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds this program and eligibility depends upon the income level of the applicant and the housing costs. The program is available for all residents of New Jersey. The program is administered by local municipal and county authorities. Please visit the County Field Offices Directory at https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/docs/fieldofficedirectory.pdf.
For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/section8hcv.html#:~:text=Section%208%20HCV%20program%20is,of%20all%20New%20Jersey%20counties.
USDA’s Single-Family Housing Direct Home Loans in New Jersey
This program provides payment assistance to low-income individuals and families through loans, which are meant to help them obtain safe and affordable housing in New Jersey. The payment assistance reduces the mortgage payment for some time once the application has been approved. To eligible, you must meet the income requirements and demonstrate that you are the current occupant of the property. You must also demonstrate the ability to incur a loan obligation and meet citizenship/non-citizenship requirements.