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Being as close to New York at it is, New Jersey has a higher cost of living than most other states. While the overall cost of living in New Jersey is around 12% higher than other states, it’s even more disheartening when it comes to the housing. The housing costs are around 32% higher than in other areas of the country on average. This can make it challenging for people to be able to afford housing. The good news is that there are programs that offer housing assistance for ex-felons in New Jersey.
The programs that provide housing assistance for ex-felons in New Jersey are typically made possibly through government programs. Both the state and federal government offer programs to help people with housing issues. There are also non-profit organizations that offer programs to help people in need, often helping people lead to sustainable solutions.
Most programs are open to those who have a low income and are a legal resident of the state. They do not expect people to pay anything back if they receive financial help, except in the rare case that someone may be given a low interest loan. The person would know that going into it though, and could plan accordingly. Most programs are there to help people avoid homelessness and do not have to ever be paid back.
++ Popular grants for ex felons
- $5,000 Boots to Business Grant for Felons
- $5,000 Government Grants for Arts, Business, and Community Programs
- $5,000 Walmart Grant
- $5,000 Southern Filmmaker Grant
- $5,000 Doris Day Animal Foundation Grant
- $500 Cystic Fibrosis Recreation Grant
- $1,000 Modest Needs Self Sufficiency Grant
- $1,000 First Hands Medical Expense Grant
- $50,000 Creative Capital Artist Grant
- $1,000 Personal Grant from MicroGrants
Programs Offering Housing Assistance for Ex-Felons in New Jersey
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a federally funded agency that focuses on housing issues in each state. HUD is the largest resource when it comes to helping people with housing issues in the country. They help people pay their rent or mortgage, pay for necessary home repairs, reduce their monthly utility bills through weatherization, and more. They will help people locate affordable housing options in their area, and they have government owned units that they allow people to live in for free through a program called Section 8. To qualify for HUD programs you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. This agency does provide housing assistance for ex-felons in New Jersey, as well as for others. They can help you pay for rent, utilities, and more. To get information about the programs and to apply for help, click here.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – For those who already live rurally or are interested in doing so, this is a program that may help. This government agency offers a rural development program, which encourages and helps people to live in rural areas of New Jersey. The program is open to people who have a low income and are legal residents of the state. Those who qualify for the assistance will be able to get low interest loans or grants that can be used to build a home or buy a home in a rural area of the state. They do provide this program of housing assistance for ex-felons in New Jersey, as well as others in need. To get more information about the program, click here.
New Jersey Housing Resource Center – This state run agency provides housing assistance for ex-felons. They will help people find housing in the state that is affordable, as well as programs that can help people who need assistance paying for their rent. They offer renters resources and referrals, rental assistance, home energy assistance, eviction prevention, and more. If you need housing assistance in the state of New Jersey, this is a good place to start. They should be able to help you with your situation or provide referrals to places that can. To get more information about the programs they offer, click here.
Oxford House – This organization provides the tools that people need to be in a self-run supportive housing assistance program. They can also help people find affordable housing options and provide referrals to other helpful programs in your area. To get more information about the programs they offer, click here.
Sierra House – This is a non-profit organization that offers a program to help women become self sufficient. Those in the program will have a place to stay, and receive training and guidance so that they can improve their situation and become self sufficient. They have a transitional housing program for women and it is focused on individuals. To get more information about the program, click here.
Homeless Solutions – This non-profit organization serves people in the state through a variety of helpful programs. Their mission is to provide people with a hand up, rather than a hand out. They aim to help people become self sufficient, so they have lasting results that are sustainable and manageable. They offer a main shelter, a transitional living program, winter warming center, senior program, outreach program, housing development program, and more. To get more information about the programs offered through Homeless Solutions, click here.
St. Joseph’s Home – This organization offers several programs to help people in need of housing assistance. They have facilities that provide families a place to stay while they get back on their feet and become self sufficient. They also offer an emergency shelter, a transitional housing program, a hybrid program, and a rapid re-housing program. Their programs are open to individuals and families. To get more information about the programs at St. Joseph’s Home, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization provides people with housing assistance. They will help with finding affordable housing options, providing emergency shelter assistance, and they offer programs that lead to being more self sufficient. To get more information about what they offer, click here.
In addition to these programs that you can apply for, be sure to contact churches in your area. Most churches have programs in place to help people in the community who need help. They often provide housing assistance for ex-felons in New Jersey, or they can provide you with referrals to local places that can help with your situation. The more places you contact, the better position you will be in to get your basic needs met.