NJ makes $95 million available to developers to build and improve healthy housing for state's Medicaid community

SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Safe, stable housing is a key determinant in someone’s health outcomes, and New Jersey has made funding available for developers to build affordable homes specifically for the most vulnerable residents.

The Department of Human Services is now accepting applications for the Healthy Homes Program , which has $95 million in state funding available to provide affordable housing for people enrolled in NJ FamilyCare, the state Medicaid program.

DHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman adds that a national study found more than half of all Medicaid recipients lived in inadequate or unaffordable housing. Adelman says the goal of the program is to improve health outcomes by ensuring people have a safe place to live.

“We think this will ensure long-term housing stability for tenants and, importantly, will advance health equity efforts in New Jersey. So investing these one-time funds in safe and affordable housing for the Medicaid population will help us serve people the best way possible.”

Under this plan, developers would submit an application outlining the scope of work — be it new construction, renovations or even new appliances or furniture — needed to help someone live healthily and comfortably.

Adelman says this will likely save the state money in the long run because a secure place to live solves so many medical issues.

“Part of this stemmed from a recent study here in New Jersey that showed permanent supportive housing led to a 25% reduction in emergency department spending for Medicaid members.”

Adelman says they hope to see as many as 200 affordable units built under this initiative.