TRENTON – Aiming to support veterans better and address veteran homelessness, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and Angela V. McKnight that would codify the “Bringing Veterans Home” initiative into law.

On Veterans’ Day in 2024, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way announced the launch of the “Bringing Veterans Home” initiative while serving as Acting Governor. The initiative seeks to effectively end veteran homelessness by ensuring that veterans experiencing homelessness can be housed within 30 days and that all veterans have a dedicated path towards permanent housing.

“Support for our veterans does not end once they return to civilian life, and it is our obligation to support them as their service ends. It is unacceptable to allow them to go from serving our country to living on the streets when they come home,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “Codifying this initiative into law will help ensure that all of our veterans are given the support they need to avoid homelessness and live with the safety and dignity of a roof over their heads.”

The bill, S-1838, would codify the “Bringing Veterans Home” initiative in statute to be led by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, it would direct the Office of Homelessness Prevention in the DCA to establish and maintain six regional hubs across the state, tasked with accelerating housing outcomes for veterans in their respective regions. The Office would also be required to use data on veteran homelessness to determine areas of need and effective interventions, as well as to establish and maintain a standardized referral form for the program that organizations can use for veterans experiencing homelessness.

“When our veterans come home, they should never have to worry about where they’re going to sleep,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson). “This bill makes sure the ‘Bringing Veterans Home’ initiative isn’t just a promise, but a permanent commitment. By putting it into law, we’re creating a clear, reliable path to housing and making sure veterans get the help they need quickly, with dignity and respect.”

To effectuate the program, the Office would adopt appropriate classifications of veterans eligible to participate and receive various forms of assistance to help them access available resources. The bill would take effect on the first day of the sixth month following enactment.

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