New Jersey commits $30M to Bringing Veterans Home initiative for homeless veterans

The Assembly Budget Committee convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss various initiatives and funding allocations aimed at addressing pressing issues in New Jersey, particularly focusing on homelessness, shared services, and public safety.

The meeting began with an overview of the Bringing Veterans Home initiative, which has secured over $30 million in state and federal funding. Key strategies include creating a real-time list of veterans at risk of homelessness, establishing six regional coordination hubs, and leveraging state resources for rental assistance. A surge response training session was held in March, aiming to house 300 veterans experiencing homelessness over the next 180 days.

The committee then shifted focus to shared services, highlighting the success of the Local Assistance Bureau, known as "the Lab." Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has facilitated over 4,000 shared service agreements, resulting in an estimated savings of $280 million. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) also introduced the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP), which has awarded over $18 million in grants to encourage local governments to streamline services.

In terms of education, the DCA's School Regionalization Efficiency Program (SREP) has provided nearly $1 million in grants to explore potential school district mergers for cost savings and improved efficiency.

The agenda also included a detailed plan for Atlantic City, focusing on homelessness prevention, economic development, and public safety. A coordinated effort launched in December 2024 aims to address unsheltered homelessness through improved access to shelters and expanded prevention services. Economic development initiatives include reviewing tax abatement programming and redeveloping Renaissance Plaza to include a grocery store.

Public safety efforts were underscored by the appointment of a new public safety director, who is tasked with enhancing the efficiency of the police and fire departments. The Atlantic City Police Department has increased its force to 328 officers, up from 294.

The meeting concluded with a report on the Lead Remediation and Abatement Program (LRAP), which has allocated $180 million to combat childhood lead poisoning. This funding is expected to address approximately 7,200 housing units, significantly increasing the number of homes serviced compared to previous years.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the state's commitment to improving services for veterans, enhancing local government efficiency, and addressing public health and safety concerns, with a focus on collaboration among various stakeholders. The committee remains optimistic about the progress and impact of these initiatives in the coming years.