New Jersey Senate Bill S972

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 2/15/24
• Refer: 2/15/24

Caption

Establishes matching grant program in DCA to support community-based nonprofit organizations that provide shelter services during Code Blue alerts.

Impact

The establishment of this matching grant program is anticipated to strengthen state laws by supporting local nonprofit organizations addressing homelessness, particularly during extreme weather conditions. The program's guidelines stipulate that grants will only be awarded to organizations that have already secured funding from local government entities, which encourages a broader community approach to combating homelessness. Moreover, the lack of a cap on the number of grants or total amounts awarded to individual organizations allows for flexibility and responsiveness to community needs, potentially improving the availability of sheltering options during emergencies.

Summary

Bill S972 establishes the Code Blue Shelter Matching Grant Program within the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to provide financial assistance to community-based nonprofit organizations that offer shelter services during Code Blue alerts. The bill aims to enhance the capacity of these organizations by providing matching grants that help them operate effectively. To apply, organizations must demonstrate that they have received a qualifying underlying grant from a county or municipality within the past year. This requirement ensures that state funding complements local initiatives while fostering collaboration among various levels of government and nonprofit organizations.

Contention

Despite the bill's potential benefits, some issues may arise regarding the reliance on local grants as a precondition for receiving state funding. This stipulation could limit the participation of smaller nonprofit organizations that may lack the resources to secure local funding. Furthermore, ongoing discussions among lawmakers and community stakeholders may raise concerns about the adequacy and sustainability of funding for these programs, particularly as demand for shelter services can fluctuate significantly during Code Blue alerts. As such, the effectiveness of the program will be evaluated through a report to be submitted by the Commissioner of Community Affairs within three years of the program's establishment.