Somerset County Accepting Applications for Emergency Housing Voucher Program

Eligible Residents to Receive Significant Amount of Rental Assistance and Help with Housing Search 

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Community Development Office is accepting applications for the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program, a tenant-based rental assistance program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered through the NJ Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA). EHV program participants receive rental assistance to pay the difference between 30% of their income and the cost of rent. On an as-needed basis, the NJDCA can also provide funds for security deposits.

“For anyone who is homeless or living in temporary housing, the Somerset County Emergency Housing Voucher program can be a true life-saver,” said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “There shouldn’t be any homeless people living in this county, one of the wealthiest in the country. The Emergency Voucher Program is one of our best tools for ensuring the county’s most vulnerable are able to afford food and shelter.”

Voucher recipients will also have access to the NJDCA’s Housing Navigator, who will assist participants with a housing search and placement as well as provide information about landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities. The NJDCA will require all program participants to apply to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for assistance with their heating and cooling costs.

Application Submission

Applicants for Emergency Housing Vouchers must first apply to the Somerset County Community Development Office. Their application will be reviewed, and if the applicant has submitted all of the required documentation and meets all eligibility criteria, the application will be forwarded to the NJDCA. Incomplete applications will not be referred to the NJDCA.

Eligibility is limited to households whose income is at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI)

and must meet one of the following criteria:

• Currently experiencing homelessness;
• At risk for homelessness;
• Fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking;
• Recently homeless or have a high-risk of housing instability.

Preference will be given to households with incomes 30% or less of the (AMI).  Listed below are the income limits for the program:

Household Size – Number of Persons Living in Household

For more information or to receive an application, call the Somerset County Community Development Office at 908-541-5756 or send an email to Amanda Agwuegbo at aagwuegbo@co.somerset.nj.us.  To print an application, go to https://bit.ly/EHVApplication.