N.J. Stat. Ann. § 52:27D-280 et seq. § 52:27D-287c
Definitions relative to county homelessness trust funds
Operative Text
3. As used in P.L.2009, c.123 (C.52:27D-287a et al.): "Code Blue alert" means an alert declared pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2017, c.68 (C.App.A:9-43.20). "Community based organization" means a nonprofit, private, or public organization funded with public or private funds, or both, that provides housing and services to families and individuals who are homeless. "County homeless housing grant program" means the vehicle by which competitive grants are awarded by the governing body of the county, utilizing moneys from the County Homelessness Housing Trust Fund, for activities directly related to housing homeless individuals and families, preventing homelessness, and other efforts directly related to permanently housing homeless persons, as administered by the local government or its designated subcontractor, or directly related to temporarily housing homeless persons in connection with a Code Blue alert. "County Homelessness Trust Fund Task Force" means the voluntary local committee created to advise a local government on the creation of a local homeless housing plan and participate in a local homeless housing program. It shall include a representative of the county, representatives from each of the three municipalities in the county with the largest populations of homeless people, representatives from the organization responsible for developing, implementing, or both, the local plan to end homelessness, at least three homeless or formerly homeless persons, and three representatives of local private or nonprofit organizations with experience in assisting the homeless or providing low-income housing. Among the responsibilities of the County Homelessness Trust Fund Task Force is to assess priorities for funding, review of applications, and preparation of an annual report and an annual measurement of the progress of the trust fund. "Department" means the Department of Community Affairs, unless otherwise designated. "Director" means the Director of the Division of Housing and Community Resources in the Department of Community Affairs. "Homeless person" means an individual living outside, or in a building not meant for human habitation or which the person has no legal right to occupy, in an emergency shelter, or in a temporary housing program which may include a transitional and supportive housing program if habitation time limits exist, or temporarily in the home of another household, or in a motel. "Housing authority" means any of the public corporations created pursuant to section 17 of P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-17). "Housing continuum" means the progression of individuals along a housing-focused scale with homelessness at one end and home ownership at the other. "Homeless housing plan" means the plan approved by a local government to address housing for homeless persons that includes measurable and achievable objectives to end homelessness in the county. "Local government" means a county government. "Outcome measurement" means the process of comparing specific measures of success against ultimate and interim goals. L.2009, c.123, s.3; amended 2019, c.53, s.2.
Section 52:27D-287c of N.J.S.A. 52:27D-280 et seq. establishes the definitions that govern New Jersey's county homelessness trust fund framework. It sets out the precise meanings of terms such as 'homeless person,' 'Code Blue alert,' 'County Homelessness Trust Fund Task Force,' and 'housing continuum,' which are used throughout the broader statute. These definitions determine who qualifies for programs, how funds may be used, and which entities are responsible for administering and overseeing local homeless housing efforts.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who participate in or contract with programs funded under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-280 et seq. § 52:27D-287c should be familiar with how the statute defines key terms like 'community based organization' and 'homeless person,' as these definitions shape eligibility and program scope. Operators working as designated subcontractors under a county homeless housing grant program generally ensure their activities align with the statutory definitions of permissible uses, such as preventing homelessness or providing temporary housing during a Code Blue alert. Understanding these definitions helps operators structure their agreements and reporting obligations in a manner consistent with the statute's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability may find that the definitions established under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-280 et seq. § 52:27D-287c directly affect their eligibility for county-funded housing programs, since the statute's definition of 'homeless person' includes people living outside, in emergency shelters, in temporary housing programs, or temporarily in another household's home. Those who believe they qualify under these definitions and are seeking assistance can inquire with their county government or the County Homelessness Trust Fund Task Force, which is responsible for reviewing funding priorities and overseeing local homeless housing plans. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help individuals understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances and what local resources may be available.
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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