On Veterans Day, New Jersey announced the launch of the Bringing Veterans Home initiative, aimed at ending veteran homelessness in the state. The program, led by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, will use over $30 million in state and federal funds to provide housing and support services to more than 1,000 homeless veterans over the next two years.
Acting Governor Tahesha Way introduced the initiative during a ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum in Holmdel. "The courageous men and women who have served our country should never bear the weight of homelessness," Way stated.
The program will enhance existing services with additional resources for rapid rehousing, emergency sheltering, and permanent housing vouchers. It will also establish six regional hubs to improve coordination and housing outcomes across the state. Veterans and service members experiencing homelessness can self-refer to the initiative starting in early 2025 through a web form, hotline, or by visiting affiliated service providers.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the state's commitment to veterans, saying, "New Jersey veterans deserve our utmost respect and support—after serving our country, they should never worry about where they will sleep at night." The initiative aims to make veteran homelessness rare and brief in New Jersey.
DMAVA Commissioner Col. Yvonne Mays highlighted the collaboration between veteran service organizations and state programs as a key strategy in addressing veteran homelessness.