Mercer Times

Acting Governor Tahesha Way has announced the launch of the Bringing Veterans Home (BVH) initiative, a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). The announcement was made during the State Veterans’ Day Ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum in Holmdel.

The initiative is supported by more than $30 million in state and federal funds over two years, aiming to place over 1,000 homeless veterans in stable housing. This marks the first formal partnership between veteran service organizations and the state to combat veteran homelessness. The effort will be spearheaded by DCA’s Office of Homelessness Prevention in collaboration with DMAVA.

“We must always take the time to express our gratitude and honor the bravery and selflessness of our veterans,” said Acting Governor Way. “The courageous men and women who have served our country should never bear the weight of homelessness. Our Administration is committed to connecting veterans with the resources they need for the housing they deserve.”

Governor Phil Murphy added, “New Jersey veterans deserve our utmost respect and support—after serving our country, they should never worry about where they will sleep at night. My Administration is proud to partner with our veteran service organizations to invest in the fight against veteran homelessness and ensure that it will be rare and brief in New Jersey.”

DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez stated, "The Bringing Veterans Home Initiative represents a groundbreaking step toward ensuring that no veteran in New Jersey has to endure the hardship of homelessness."

Col. Yvonne Mays, DMAVA Commissioner, emphasized their long-standing efforts: “The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has worked with veterans experiencing homelessness for nearly thirty years through the Veterans Haven program.”

Michael Callahan, Director of Office of Homelessness Prevention, remarked on New Jersey's commitment: "The Bringing Veterans Home initiative represents New Jersey's unwavering commitment to those who have served our nation."

BVH aims to assist individuals experiencing homelessness who meet federal and state definitions of “veteran.” Service members and National Guard members are also eligible for assistance.

The initiative plans to enhance existing care systems through additional diversion programs, rapid rehousing, street outreach, emergency sheltering, and permanent housing voucher programs like the State Rental Assistance Program and federal HOME program.

In early 2025, veterans can self-refer via a BVH Web Referral Form or contact NJ 211 for assistance. Outreach teams will engage directly with unsheltered veterans lacking access to resources.

DCA provides various services including affordable housing production and community planning. DMAVA offers services for citizens and veterans while preparing forces for civil operations.

For more information about DCA or DMAVA services or if facing immediate risks of homelessness, visit their websites or call 2-1-1 for assistance.