A new state program will provide 50 housing vouchers for people in Passaic County who are deemed chronically homeless who have severe and persistent mental illnesses, officials said.
The New Jersey Community Development Corporation, a Paterson-based nonprofit organization, will participate in identifying those households that are eligible for the new program.
NJCDC will work in partnership with other community groups, including Eva’s Village, Mental Health Association in Passaic County, Passaic County One Stop Career Center, County of Passaic Department of Weatherization and Home Energy, County of Passaic Paratransit Program, CUMAC, Volunteers of America, and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center.
Under the “Housing First” initiative, more than 500 annual vouchers worth about $5.4 million will be distributed statewide, according to a news release issued recently by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
The program also will provide social services to participants, officials said.
“These awards will have a significant impact on the lives of the individuals and families who receive the rent vouchers associated with this initiative,” said DCA Commissioner Charles Richman in a news release.