Legislation that will establish an affordable housing occupancy preference for homeless and disabled veterans in New Jersey has been signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie.
Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) was a sponsor of the legislation, according to a press release.
The new law establishes a veterans’ preference for affordable housing in housing projects that are either operated by a housing authority, financed by a county improvement authority or are part of a redevelopment project, according to the press release.
Under the law, the commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs will adopt rules and regulations to establish the standards for the veterans’ preference.
“We have a moral obligation to take care of those who stepped forward to take care of us,” Downey said. “Veterans deserve better than a life on the streets. Setting up an affordable housing preference for veterans who are homeless or disabled helps to ensure that former servicemen and servicewomen who are struggling financially are able to secure a cost-effective place to live.”
All applicants for the housing preference are required to meet the income requirements for admission to the housing project, regardless of the priority status granted under the new law, according to the press release.
The bill received unanimous approval from both houses of the Legislature.
