NJ S3177

New Jersey municipalities may 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.

Municipalities may add fees of up to $5 to existing fines and penalties (including parking tickets and court fines) to fund the trust fund, with no more than 5% of annual deposits used for administrative costs.

Trust fund monies must be spent within four years on housing acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation; rental assistance vouchers; supportive services including temporary hotel stays; and homelessness prevention services.

A municipal homelessness trust fund task force must be created, including a governing body member, community organization representative, a person experiencing or who has experienced homelessness, and a housing/homeless services provider to advise on funding priorities and grant applications.

Unexpended funds after four years transfer to the Department of Community Affairs, which must contract with a community-based organization serving that municipality to use the funds for homelessness purposes.