NJ A2094

Authorizes New Jersey municipalities to establish Municipal Homelessness Trust Funds by ordinance and adopt homeless housing plans by resolution, developed in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs and community-based organizations.

Permits municipalities to add fees of up to $5 to existing fines and penalties, including parking tickets and court fines, with proceeds deposited into the trust fund.

Trust fund monies must be spent within four years on homeless housing grant programs; unspent funds are transferred to the Department of Community Affairs for distribution to community organizations serving that municipality.

Administrative costs are capped at 5% of annual deposits, with remaining funds dedicated to housing acquisition/construction/rehabilitation, rental assistance vouchers, supportive services including temporary hotel stays, and homelessness prevention services.

Grants must support projects that measurably reduce homelessness, demonstrate government cost savings, use evidence-based models, and maintain affordability for at least 30 years for construction/rehabilitation projects.