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Council hears plan to designate 200 public‑housing units as transitional homes for chronically homeless residents
Summary
City officials described 'PATH HOME,' a partnership with the Newark Housing Authority to activate up to 200 public housing units for chronically homeless residents, offering furnished units and supportive services; questions from councilmembers sought details on length of stay, funding and resident eligibility.
City officials told the Newark Municipal Council on Dec. 17 that a new initiative called PATH HOME would designate up to 200 public housing units managed by the Newark Housing Authority as transitional housing for chronically homeless residents.
Salerio, director of the Office of Home and Services, summarized the plan: “It is going to designate 200 public housing units for some of the most vulnerable residents in our community. By definition, they will be chronically homeless. So these are our seniors, people with disabilities.” He said units would be furnished and paired with supportive services, and that the program aims to move residents to more permanent housing when feasible.
Councilmembers asked for clarifications about whether the city would rent or buy units, how wraparound services would be provided, and who would be served. Salerio said, “All we're doing is giving up funding to renovate the units,” and that “once they become online, it is the housing authority's responsibility to manage it and to provide the property management support.” He added the city would seek Medicaid dollars to fund housing supports and would use private partners in the near term to provide supportive services.
Officials said the first priority population will be Newark residents identified from shelters—seniors and people with disabilities—though staff noted screening would confirm eligibility and residency. Councilman Ramos asked whether the 200 units would be restricted to Newark residents; the administration said yes, and that staff are interviewing candidates to verify ties to Newark.
The transcript records that 30 of the 200 units identified to date would be suitable for families who meet the chronic‑homeless definition. Officials also described efforts to avoid concentrating the units in a single building, saying they will be spread throughout the city to promote integration.
Councilmembers requested follow‑up reports on program performance and historical HOME‑funded projects: one member asked for a five‑year summary of HOME fund designations, closings, and ward locations.
The PATH HOME item was presented as a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with the Newark Housing Authority; staff said renovation funds would be provided to activate currently offline public housing stock.
