TRENTON, NJ (Sept.17, 2020) – Earlier this year, the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) conducted research on the supply and quality of supportive housing to meet the need of older adults across New Jersey. What they discovered was that more than 17,000 additional supportive housing homes are needed.
“Taking a deeper look at the need for supportive housing in our state will help inform future decisions for housing programs, and ultimately, provide safer, more affordable homes for older adults and those living with disabilities," says Melissa Chalker, Executive Director, NJ Foundation for Aging (NJFA).
The CSH defines supportive housing as “Very affordable rental housing forming a platform of stability for vulnerable people who do not have a home or are leaving institutions or hospitals. It is linked to intensive case management and voluntary, life-improving services like health care, workforce development and child welfare.”
Christenson and Warney will present the data analysis as well as key recommendations that were developed by a diverse stakeholder group. The six recommendation topics are COVID-19, service funding, capital financing, eligibility criteria, workforce development and “NIMBY-ism.” These topics will serve as the foundation for further dialogue between stakeholders and advocacy groups throughout NJ, leading towards finding solutions for meeting the housing and service needs of vulnerable older adults.
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New Jersey Foundation for Aging (njfoundationforaging.org) is the only statewide nonprofit organization focused solely on providing leadership in public policy and education to enable older adults to live with independence and dignity in their communities. In addition to its policy leadership role, NJFA produces the award-winning Aging Insights, a monthly half-hour TV program promoting dialogue on critical issues for older adults and caregivers. The show can be seen on more than 70 public-access stations and njfoundationforaging.org/aging-insights. NJFA also presents an annual conference offering development opportunities and best practices for professionals entrusted with caring for seniors.
