State Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Open Enrollment Notice January 2023

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded program that provides housing subsidies to New Jersey residents, so that they can obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing.  A total of 20,000 households will be selected state-wide through a random lottery system and be placed on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher pre-applications will be available online at: www.waitlistcheck.com/NJ559 beginning Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 9:00 AM EST., until  Friday, February 3, 2023, at 5:00 PM EST.,  for New Jersey residents, who are eighteen (18) years of age or older; or, who are emancipated minors and meet all applicable federal income and eligibility requirements.

Additional information, including the Public Notice and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in both Spanish and English can be found here.

DCAid is a great place to get started. Learn more about this tool that can help with housing assistance programs, utility assistance, homelessness prevention services, and other programs. Learn more.

This federally funded program assists low-income households with finding safe and quality rental housing. Through this program, a portion of the monthly rent is paid by the government directly to the landlord, thus reducing housing costs for eligible families.

This program only accepts applicants during Open Enrollment periods. The waiting list placement will be based on a computerized selection (lottery) process, so it does not matter when you apply AS LONG AS YOU APPLY DURING THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD. When we hear of waitlist openings, we post them here.

Section 8 existing housing programs are administered throughout the state by a number of municipal and county authorities. For further information contact your county field office or email or call the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) at 609-292-4080. Learn more.

This federally funded program assists eligible households in the purchase a home of their own. The Housing Choice Voucher is used towards homeownership expenses such as principal and interest on mortgage debt, insurance, taxes, and utilities. For additional information, call 609-292-9025.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is  available to families currently active in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Rental assistance is provided to families who agree to participate in a series of job training, career counseling, education, and social service programs. For additional information, call 609-292-3846.

This program provides limited financial assistance to low and moderate-income tenants and homeowners in imminent danger of eviction or foreclosure due to temporary financial problems beyond their control. To learn more, contact the office in your area.

The NJ HMFA has many housing programs funded from the sale of bonds. Some provide mortgage assistance and closing costs to homebuyers. Others help homeowners repair the houses they have. Low- and moderate-income households qualify for HMFA-funded developments.

For more information on HMFA’s homebuyer or rehabilitation programs call 609-278-7400. Those looking to buy a house or condominium should consider calling HMFA to see the availability of homebuyer assistance programs. The agency has a mortgage hotline: 800-654-6873. Learn more about HMFA programs.

The goal of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness by working in partnership with people in need. Using volunteer labor and donated funds and materials, Habitat builds or rehabilitates simple, decent houses and sells them to low-income families at cost, but with no interest added.

Habitat is a joint venture in which those who benefit from the housing are involved in the work at various levels. They help with the construction of their own home, as well as the houses of their neighbors.

The need for a decent and affordable house is the most important criteria in the selection of a family. Families with the greatest need are given priority consideration.

Families must have the ability to make mortgage payments and meet all the obligations of owning a home including payment of any condominium/association fees, homeowner insurance, all taxes, utilities, and repairs. Applicants must allow verification of employment for the last two years, at least six months of employment in the present position, credit history including a judgment search and reference checks. An applicant's history of financial responsibility is considered.

Applicants must agree to partner with Habitat in the homeowner process which includes: interview by the Family Selection Committee, approval by the Board of Directors, all paperwork requested by the Family Selection Committee during the review process, making escrow payments while building their home to cover the closing costs, completing 400 hours of sweat equity (the families participate in building their homes alongside volunteers/professionals), participating in homeowner training programs, and other ways of supporting and partnering with Habitat that may arise. Find out more about applications and eligibility here. 

Find your local Habitat for Humanity here.