By Tom Smith

TRENTON, NJ 02/06/2019: NJDH participated in a very productive and informative meeting today in Trenton with other providers of supportive housing and developers. Representatives from NJ Disability Rights, Catholic Charities, DDD, ARC, United Way and other agencies all discussed how to create and sustain affordable housing for people with special needs in our state.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs – Division of Housing and Community Resources administers Department of Human Services rental subsidies to people with disabilities. Enterprise Community Partners explained in great detail the implementation of new federal Opportunity Zones in New Jersey and how these zones will affect affordable housing projects like ours. Basically, investors will be able to get substantial tax credits for the funds they invest in affordable housing in these areas. Municipalities are encouraged to welcome new development in these zones as a way to increase jobs, reduce poverty and create new businesses. Investors are rewarded with deferred taxes on their investments in these areas. Win-win!

Got to www.rentalhousingaction.org for more detailed info.

NJDH wants to take advantage of Opportunity Fund equity to help build our place. I will be contacting our business partners to let them know they and other investors can create their own Opportunity Fund to support our project, while profiting from tax credits.

SHA-NJ is a strong, vibrant statewide coalition of groups like ours, dedicated to building and maintaining low-income supportive housing, especially designed to meet the needs of people with physical and/or developmental limitations. We were very welcomed by all the other members. I got the chance to connect with a number of potential allies, who are very interested in helping us reach our goals.