N.J. Stat. Ann. § 52:27D-280 et seq. § 52:27D-287b
Findings, declarations relative to county homelessness trust funds
Operative Text
2. The Legislature finds and declares: a. The creation of county homelessness trust funds in counties that have completed and endorsed a plan to end homelessness will provide some of the additional funds necessary to move homeless or formerly homeless individuals toward the goal of permanent affordable housing and self-sufficiency. b. Despite laudable efforts by all levels of government, private individuals, nonprofit organizations, and charitable foundations to end homelessness, the number of homeless persons in New Jersey is unacceptably high. The State's homeless population, furthermore, includes a large number of families with children, youth, veterans, the elderly, and employed persons. c. Fiscal and social costs of homelessness are high for both the public and private sectors and ending homelessness should be a joint goal for State and local government. d. A myriad of factors contribute to homelessness, including a shortage of affordable housing; a shortage of jobs that pay wages and benefits sufficient to support a family; high property taxes which undermine housing affordability; a lack of an accessible and affordable health care system available to all who suffer from physical and mental illnesses and chemical and alcohol dependency; domestic violence; and a lack of education and job skills necessary to acquire adequate wage jobs in the economy of the twenty-first century. e. It is critical that emergency shelters for the homeless are able to provide sufficient and adequate shelter services to all homeless individuals in their communities when a Code Blue alert is in effect due to severely cold weather. Allowing county homelessness trust funds to be used in support of emergency shelter for the homeless services provided in connection with a Code Blue alert would create an additional funding source to help ensure that this goal is met. L.2009, c.123, s.2; amended 2019, c.53, s.1.
Section 52:27D-287b of N.J.S.A. 52:27D-280 et seq. sets out the Legislature's formal findings and policy rationale behind county homelessness trust funds in New Jersey. It identifies homelessness as a serious statewide problem driven by factors such as affordable housing shortages, inadequate wages, high property taxes, limited healthcare access, domestic violence, and gaps in education and job training. The provision also recognizes the particular importance of ensuring emergency shelters can serve homeless individuals during Code Blue cold-weather alerts, and authorizes trust fund dollars to support those services.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in New Jersey should be aware that N.J.S.A. 52:27D-280 et seq. § 52:27D-287b reflects the Legislature's broad policy commitment to expanding affordable housing and reducing homelessness at the county level. Operators who participate in programs funded through county homelessness trust funds—such as transitional or emergency shelter arrangements—generally maintain documentation showing alignment with a county's endorsed plan to end homelessness. Understanding the legislative findings in this section can help housing providers contextualize the funding streams and programmatic priorities that shape local affordable housing initiatives.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants or individuals experiencing housing instability, § 52:27D-287b of N.J.S.A. 52:27D-280 et seq. reflects New Jersey's legislative recognition that homelessness stems from systemic factors including affordable housing shortages and inadequate wages. Counties that have adopted an endorsed plan to end homelessness may have access to trust fund resources that support emergency shelter and pathways to permanent affordable housing. Individuals seeking assistance can explore county-level homelessness services, contact local nonprofit housing organizations, or reach out to tenant-rights groups to learn what resources may be available under programs connected to this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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