$3M Affordable Housing Grant Program Created In Burlington County

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Commissioners approved a $3 million grant program to support the development of much-needed affordable housing in Burlington County, the county said.

On Oct. 26, Burlington County Commissioners voted to use money from the county's federal American Rescue Plan act funds for the new Burlington County Affordable Housing Grant Program.

Nonprofits can apply for a grant to develop new affordable housing units within the county, including special populations such as families experiencing homelessness, housing instability or escaping a domestic violence situation, officials said.

The county is still creating program guidance, and will send notices of grant opportunities in time.

“Burlington County is a premier destination where families want to live and businesses want to be, and a major reason why is our affordability,” said Burlington County Commissioner Dan O’Connell. “We want all residents to be able to live securely and benefit from our county’s great schools, job opportunities, parks and overall quality of life, so taking action to support affordable housing is key.”

County officials highlighted several steps they've made to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the county, including the Housing Hub at the Department of Human Services Building and distribution of emergency rental assistance.

"There is new evidence the County’s programs are working," the county said. "New Jersey’s annual homeless survey revealed the number of people experiencing homelessness in Burlington County in 2022 declined 3% compared to 2021. The county was one of seven counties in New Jersey that experienced a decrease."

A 2022 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition showed Burlington County’s fair market rent of $1,298 for a 2-bedroom unit was $400 lower than the New Jersey average. However, a household would still need to earn at least $51,920 annually to avoid paying more than a third of its income on housing.

“Burlington County is a premier destination where families want to live and businesses want to be, and a major reason why is our affordability,” said Burlington County Commissioner Dan O’Connell. “We want all residents to be able to live securely and benefit from our county’s great schools, job opportunities, parks and overall quality of life, so taking action to support affordable housing is key.”