|
In this Week's Edition
News
Federal Government
Shut Down in Fourth Week
---------
Housing Issues in NJ Gubernatorial Election
---------
Federal Updates
---------
Virtual Town Hall: All-State Housing Meeting
and the Road Ahead - October 30th
---------
What a Long Shutdown Could Mean
for Nonprofit Jobs, Revenue
---------
Federal Uncertainty Threatens Reliability
of New Jersey SNAP and WIC Programs
---------
NJHMFA: State Tax Credit Subsidy (SCTS) Program Fund
---------
Poll Finds NJ Voters Support Reforms
to Increase Housing Supply and
Allow Mix of Housing Types
---------
DDD Update: Family Networking Sessions
---------
Reducing Homelessness in the US:
A Solutions-focused,
Research-based Explainer
Resources & Events
NJ Division on Civil Rights
Fair Chance in Housing Act
October 28, 2025
---------
H.R.1 Implementation Series:
Home and Community-Based
Services Expansion Opportunities
October 28, 2025
---------
Expanding Revenue Beyond Medicaid:
New Funding Strategies For I/DD Providers
October 28, 2025
---------
Navigating Operational Challenges in Supportive Housing
November 3,10, & 17, 2025
---------
DCM Center for Nonprofit Board
Governance and Leadership Webinar Series
November 5-December 3, 2025
---------
SHA Member Exclusive Webinar:
Housing Supports Program
Roundtable Lunch and Learn
November 17, 2025
---------
DMHAS First Annual
Overdose Response Summit
November 19, 2025
---------
2025 Enterprise Faith-Based
Development Initiative Summit
December 4, 2025
| | |
----------------------------
SHA Member Events
----------------------------
Developers Meeting
December 8 | Virtual
----------------------------
New Day & Time
SHA Member
HSPRP Roundtable
November 18
12:30 - 1:30pm
----------------------------
SHA Member Meeting
February 4, 2026
Annual Meeting
Virtual
Not yet a member?
Learn more here.
| |
27th Annual Supportive Housing Conference
The event is sold out.
Info below to sign up for
registration waitlist today!
November 14, 2025
The Palace at Somerset Park, Somerset NJ
| |
Community Events
----------------------------
LISC NJ:
What's Possible
for Sustainable Communities in NJ
@ TCNJ
Registration Open
October 28, 2025
----------------------------
NJ Veterans
Housing Symposium
@ Stockton University
Registration Open
October 28, 2025
----------------------------
NJ YMCA State Alliance
Culture of Health Conference
Registration Open
December 9, 2025
| | |
SHAre Layout Update - Scroll down for:
SHA Job Board
Housing Opportunities
| | |
The Arc of New Jersey is helping to highlight National Disability Employment Awareness Month with the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and their support that is available here. In some instances, employment services can also be funded by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. 2025 also marks the 80th year of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) as started by the US Department of Labor.
| | | |
|
SHA attended last week's Lifelong Strong New Jersey event convened by NJAAW working to help state leadership recognize our increasingly older population and include aging as an important consideration in all policy. SHA Executive Director, Kate Kelly connected with many partners and members including Roberto Muñiz, President and CEO of Parker Health Group.
| | Many thanks to Withum for hosting an insightful and timely presentation on cyber security last Friday, "From 0 to Breach: Anatomy of a Cyberattack." Organizations and individuals alike all benefit when employing the strategies shared during the session. From understanding and identifying the threat landscape, to improving security protocols, and effective strategies of mitigation in the event of an active intrusion event, SHA was grateful to join this learning opportunity. | | |
SHA Welcomes New &
Returning Members in 2025
| | SHA Conference Registration is Open! | | Sign Up for SHA's Waitlist for Conference Tickets | | SHA Conference Sponsor, Ad, and Exhibit Opportunities | | Final chances to get your ad, sponsorship, or exhibit into the program as all files must be submitted by Friday, October 24th. | | |
SHA returns to The Palace for our 27th annual conference
and you'll find familiar and popular features including:
- A Spacious and Engaging Conference Venue
- Keynote Address, Excellent Presenters, & Insightful Workshops
- Networking and Sponsor Opportunities Throughout the Day
- Reach a Wide Audience in the Supportive Housing Community
Share a shout out or boost your brand to 350+ attendees with these great opportunities!
Click here for Sponsor, Ad, and Exhibitor Information.
| | Federal Government Shut Down in Fourth Week | | |
The National Low Income Housing Coalition helps cover these and more updates as the government shutdown continues.
Federal Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order on Shutdown Layoffs
In response to the shutdown, the White House issued on October 10 a new round of Reduction in Force (RIF) notices, threatening to cut more than 4,000 federal employees across departments, including 442 HUD staff (see Memo, 10/13). The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), two labor unions representing government workers, filed suit against the administration, asserting the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) “violated the law by threatening to engage in the mass firing of federal workers during a shutdown.”
Shutdown Risks for HUD-Assisted Households
Households who receive HUD rental assistance — including Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Rental Assistance, and public housing — should have their rent paid at least through November. However, the longer a shutdown continues, the greater the risk to assisted households, and the greater the disruption to essential federal services and programs. The National Housing Law Project (NHLP) published two updated shutdown resources, one for tenants outlining the legal rights of households receiving HUD assistance, and the other providing an overview of the impacts of a government shutdown for legal aid attorneys.
| | Housing Issues in NJ Gubernatorial Election | | New Jersey voters will elect a new governor and all 80 members of the state Assembly on Tuesday, November 4th. There is time to make sure your vote counts. | | |
Not sure of your registration status? Visit VOTE.NJ.GOV.
Registered voters can vote in one of three ways—
1. By Mail. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 28 (by mail) or Nov. 3 (in person at your county clerk’s office).
2. In Person, Early Voting. Every county has designated locations where registered voters can cast ballots from Oct. 25 through Nov. 2.
3. In Person, Election Day. All polling locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
| | To view the candidates and other info, click here for NJ Spotlights Voter's Guide. | | |
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) laid off its entire staff of building inspectors on October 10, reports Kriston Capps in Bloomberg CityLab, putting residents of subsidized housing at higher risk of dangerous conditions just weeks after a partial building collapse in the Bronx.
In the Politico article Trump admin looks at deep cuts to homeless housing program published the evening of September 29, 2025, officials within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signaled significant changes to the HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) program which funds rental assistance and services for people experiencing homelessness. HUD officials specifically indicated the implementation of policy changes to the program, including:
- A 30% cap on funding allowable for permanent housing;
- Deduction of points for any projects that have previously used racial preference or recognized transgender people; and
- Work or services requirements for the receipt of funding.
These changes are concerning for programs serving people experiencing homelessness and will have an immediate and direct impact on constituents and projects in New Jersey.
| | |
Please see below with resources from SHA member Monarch Housing Associates for immediate action that advocates can take to protect U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care and permanent housing funding.
PRIMARY AND IMMEDIATE: FEDERAL ACTION
Congress must exercise its power to hold HUD accountable to the two-year CoC NOFO timeline and prevent HUD from enacting the 30% cap on permanent housing and eroding best practices in housing services. Contact NJ’s senators and the members of congress representing you AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, i.e., today if possible!
Access the Advocacy Partner Resource Packet
To Do List
Send letters to your federal representatives highlighting requests
Send letter to state and local representatives asking to elevate issue to federal delegation
Share these resources with partners who can join the CoC advocacy effort
Resources
Letter Template
Advocacy Partner One Pager
Questions and additional advocacy resource requests can be shared with
Kyra Mortensen, kmortensen@monarchhousing.org, Associate, Monarch Housing Associates.
| | Virtual Town Hall: All-State Housing Meeting
and the Road Ahead - October 30th | | |
October 30, 2025 |12:30pm - 1:45pm | Microsoft Teams
The NJ Dept. of Community Affairs (DCA) invites you to join the All-State Housing Virtual Town Hall: The Road Ahead, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m via Microsoft Teams.
This session will provide an overview and discussion on the current and anticipated landscape of housing and homelessness programs across NJ. The goal of the Town Hall is to ensure an understanding of evolving federal and state dynamics, highlight ongoing interagency coordination and opportunities, and outline the current planning work to sustain critical housing supports statewide. Representatives from DCA and other State partner agencies will offer updates, data, and other critical information.
This will be an informational meeting only; no definitive policy or funding decisions will be announced. Persons with lived experience, CoC, state, county, municipal, nonprofit partners, advocates and other interested persons working within the housing, homelessness, and adjacent community development and healthcare and human services systems are welcome to attend.
Note: This meeting link may be freely distributed to partners to ensure the broadest socialization. Please distribute widely to ensure maximum attendance. No registration required for the event. Town Hall capacity is 20,000 persons, and "seating" is available on a first-come, first-logged in basis.
The recorded event will be available on the DCA website and via YouTube 24 hours post conclusion.
Click here or link below to join the session:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YmUxOTA4NDItZDBiZi00MTkyLTk5MjctNWFhYTQ2YmUyNWMx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%225076c3d1-3802-4b9f-b36a-e0a41bd642a7%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22c3eee07c-c638-44dc-b47c-a2f7576c4c2c%22%7d
| | |
What a Long Shutdown Could Mean
for Nonprofit Jobs, Revenue
| | |
The government shutdown is compounding financial strains on nonprofits. Leaders are considering measures such as applying for loans and seeking emergency aid from funders to stay afloat. The shutdown is capping what was already a tough year for the nonprofit sector. Organizations delivering disaster relief, emergency shelter, job training, and mental-health services are among those that have had to suspend programs and lay off staff in response to federal policy changes and the downsizing of federal grants and staff since January, according to a new report published by the Urban Institute.
By issuing payments to nonprofits on time and paying some portion of funding upfront rather than strictly relying on reimbursements, state and local governments could provide some relief to cash-strapped nonprofits during the shutdown, according to the lending and consulting firm and SHA member, Nonprofit Finance Fund. The organization recently published its data on the “colliding crises” putting financial pressure on nonprofits.
“As people lean on nonprofits, state and local governments have an opportunity to be better partners,” Aisha Benson, CEO of Nonprofit Finance Fund, wrote in a blog post.
SHA's Annual Conference on November 14th will cover the latest from NFF in the upcoming workshop, "From Insights to Action: Strengthening New Jersey’s Nonprofit Sector Together."
| | |
Federal Uncertainty Threatens Reliability
of New Jersey SNAP and WIC Programs
| | |
The following announcement has been shared by the NJ Department of Human Services, the NJ Department of Health, and the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate:
TRENTON, NJ - At this time, New Jersey’s SNAP and WIC participants continue to receive benefits and services are open. Participants can continue to access food and other necessities throughout October; however, we are deeply concerned that federal actions may compromise access in November. Click here to read the full notice from DHS.
State agencies will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.
For SNAP, information will be updated at njsnap.gov and on the NJ Department of Human Services’ social media channels (@NJDHS).
For WIC, notices will be updated at nj.gov/health and on the NJ Department of Health’s social media channels (@njdeptofhealth).
These SNAP and WIC notices will also be shared on the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate’s social media channels (@NJOFSA) and at nj.gov/foodsecurity.
Residents can locate food pantries and community kitchens via NJ 211 here and information about the School Meal Application here.
In addition to the information above, key messaging on funding and access to food support from Legal Services in New Jersey recommends:
1) Be prepared for no benefits (and potentially no benefit access) in November until the shut-down ends. If people have benefits on their EBT cards, buying non-perishables now is advisable.
2) Make sure that people are aware of and enroll in other nutrition assistance programs for which they may be eligible. (school meals, senior feeding programs like congregate feeding programs, meals on wheels, WIC etc.)
| | NJHMFA: State Tax Credit Subsidy (SCTS) Program Fund | | |
The HMFA is proud to announce the State Tax Credit Subsidy (STCS) Program Fund approved at the October 2, 2025 HMFA board meeting. Through P.L.2025, c.111, the New Jersey Legislature made available to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency $500,000,000 of State tax credits to be sold via competitive auction no later than December 31, 2030 in annual increments not to exceed $100,000,000.
The statute further requires that tax credits may not be sold for less than 80% of face value and that proceeds from the STCS Auction are to be divided equally to create workforce housing through the Workforce Housing Fund set-aside (WFH-ST) and to create affordable housing units included in a court approved Mount Laurel Fair Share Settlement Agreement, Compliance Certification, or Plan pursuant to the "Fair Housing Act," P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-301 et al.) through the Affordable Housing Production Fund set-aside (AHPF-ST).
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency will administer the WFH-ST and the AHPF-ST programs to provide subsidy financing for eligible projects in need of gap financing to support 4% LIHTC development.
IMPORTANT: HMFA IS NOT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME. THE FIRST AUCTION IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE FROM OCTOBER 27, 2025 9:00AM ET TO NOVEMBER 26, 2025 5:00PM ET. THEREFORE, DEVELOPERS WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA A BULLETIN AS TO WHEN APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED INCLUSIVE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY.
APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE FORTHCOMING BULLETIN.
Please click on the link below to view STCS Program Guidelines
View STCS Guidelines
| | |
Poll Finds NJ Voters Support Reforms to
Increase Housing Supply and Allow Mix of Housing Types
| | |
Housing affordability remains a major concern for New Jersey residents, with voters strongly supporting legislative action to build on the progress of our new affordable housing law. A new poll from Great Homes and Neighborhoods For All found that a majority of voters support for the following legislative proposals:
- Allowing the redevelopment of vacant commercial buildings into homes (84%).
- Making it easier to build accessory dwelling units on residential lots where there is existing housing (61%).
- Allowing parking flexibility for developments near transit stations (61%).
“Our communities thrive when the people who teach our children, care for our families, and keep our economy running can afford to live nearby,” said Al-Tariq Witcher, managing director of external affairs at SHA member Fair Share Housing Center and a member of Great Homes and Neighborhoods For All’s steering committee. “It's encouraging that the overwhelming majority of New Jerseyans support common-sense reforms, like repurposing vacant buildings and creating a broader mix of homes for working families."
| | DDD Update: Family Networking Sessions | | The Office of Education on Self-Directed Services (OESDS) has released its Fall 2025 Family Networking Sessions schedule. These sessions are for people and families who are, or are interested in, self-directing some of or all their DDD-funded services. | | |
Burlington County
Wed., Oct. 29, 1 – 3 p.m.
Burlington County Library
| | |
Bergen County
Wed., Nov. 5, 1 – 3 p.m.
Bergen County
Special Services School District
| | Reducing Homelessness in the US:
A Solutions-focused, Research-based Explainer | | The Harvard Kennedy School and the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy recently published an informative article on understanding and reporting on homelessness in The Journalist's Resource. The article goes into clear and informative detail on how the US currently addresses homelessness and shares important frameworks that journalists, advocates, and those working in housing issues can use when producing content for the public. Through a combination of collected articles, videos, and other resources, this explainer article can be a direct resource in helping address the needs surrounding access to housing and supports | | NJ Division on Civil Rights Fair Chance in Housing Act | | |
October 28, 2025 | 9:30 - 11:00 AM
This training focuses specifically on the Fair Chance in Housing Act and consideration of criminal history during the housing application process. For a more general overview of housing protections, sign up for our training, The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination in Housing.
Click here to register.
| | H.R.1 Implementation Series: Home and
Community-Based Services Expansion Opportunities | | |
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
H.R.1 is changing the landscape when it comes to Medicaid funding. Join policy experts from SHA member CSH to learn how H.R.1 opens up some new opportunities to cover supportive housing services through Medicaid. This webinar breaks down how states can pursue Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers to cover the cost of supportive services that keep people with complex needs stably housed.
Click here to register for this webinar.
| | |
Expanding Revenue Beyond Medicaid:
New Funding Strategies For I/DD Providers
| | |
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 2:00 PM ET
As Medicaid funding remains stagnant, behavioral health and I/DD providers must explore innovative ways to diversify revenue streams. This webinar, hosted by ANCOR, will uncover non-traditional funding opportunities that can enhance financial sustainability while staying true to your organization’s mission.
Click here to register for this webinar.
| | Navigating Operational Challenges in Supportive Housing | | |
November 3, 10, 17, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 PM ET
This free, live webinar series from SHA member CSH is tailored to address the unique operational challenges faced by supportive housing providers. This series focuses on navigating fiscal complexities while maintaining the overall stability and efficiency of your operations. Explore strategies to identify early warning signs of financial distress, assess risks comprehensively, and respond effectively to critical fiscal needs. Gain practical tools and insights to enhance your financial management while tackling the broader challenges of operating supportive housing.
Click here to access the training registration.
| | DCM Center for Nonprofit Board
Governance and Leadership Webinar Series | | |
SHA Member Exclusive Webinar:
Housing Supports Program Roundtable Lunch and Learn
| | |
New Date and Time
November 18, 2025 | Virtual Meeting | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Following earlier successful Housing Supports Program member roundtables reviewing the latest developments from the NJ FamilyCare Housing Supports Program, SHA members are invited to attend another session on November 17, 2025. The focus of the discussion will cover updates since the previous meeting in September 2025 among participating SHA members, but all SHA members are welcome to attend and learn more.
Members can email Kate Kelly to confirm your attendance and receive Zoom link details.
| | DMHAS First Annual Overdose Response Summit | | |
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 8am - 5pm
Harrah’s Waterfront Convention Center | 777 Harrah’s Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: $20 - Includes Breakfast and Lunch\
Agenda and Registration Details
About the Summit:
This event brings together EMS, harm reduction agencies, public health and human services, Overdose Fatality Review Teams (OFRTs) and substance use treatment providers from all regions in the State toward improving care for people who use drugs. By equipping first responders and local stakeholders with harm reduction tools and training, we create respectful, nonjudgmental encounters that build trust and open doors to health services—whether or not someone is ready for treatment. By creating spaces for professionals from multiple sectors to convene and share best practices and experience-informed approaches for improving the continuum of care, we create an actionable framework for improving the wellbeing of those we serve. Together, we’re creating a more compassionate, connected system of care.
Who Should Attend:
EMS/first responders, harm reduction agencies, local health and human services, Overdose Fatality Review Teams, Substance Use treatment providers, MATTERS Advisory Council Members, people who use drugs (PWUD), community organizations, anyone interested in being part of improving health and wellbeing for New Jerseyans.
| | |
2025 Enterprise Faith-Based
Development Initiative Summit
| | |
Getting it Done: Projects, Policy and Perspectives from the Field
December 4, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM ET
Heading into its 20th year, the Enterprise Faith-Based Development InitiativeSM continues to harness the power of faith communities to create and preserve affordable housing and community assets nationwide. This year’s summit brings together developers, clergy, policymakers, and advocates to spotlight real-world lessons from faith-based development projects, while offering tools, insights, and inspiration to strengthen this growing movement. Summit sessions include: State and local policy updates exploring the latest opportunities and challenges for faith-based development. More information on panelists and the summit agenda coming soon! Enterprise Community Partners is a SHA member.
Click here to register.
Interested in this topic? SHA Members recently enjoyed a presentation by Dr. Nadia Mian at October's Member Meeting discussing Houses of Worship Responding to the Affordable Housing Crisis.
| | SHA Job Board & Housing Opportunities | | |
There are many great ways of supporting SHA: Join as a member or send donations.
Thank you for your support!
| |
Want all the member benefits with SHA? Visit our website or contact Joseph Christensen to apply or manage your membership.
| |
Members can post jobs to find applicants within the wider supportive housing community. Click on the button to visit our job page.
| | |
Advocate ● Educate ● Support
The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey unites its diverse coalition of members to advance, promote, and increase supportive housing opportunities across New Jersey. Since 1998, our statewide mission seeks to enhance lives and accessibility to enable independent living within our communities.
| |
Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
185 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
| | | | |
