NJ Governor Candidates Highlight Cohome’s Impact

Nearly 200 leaders from New Jersey Together (NJT) gathered on April 27, 2025, to call on the state's gubernatorial candidates to commit to bold action on affordable housing and criminal justice reform. A centerpiece of the assembly was Cohome’s mainstream housing model for adults with disabilities, which NJT identified as a key pillar of its advocacy work moving forward.

Over the past six weeks, NJT leaders met individually with five leading gubernatorial candidates to discuss the state's most pressing issues. At Sunday’s assembly, each candidate publicly pledged to:

1. Identify and assemble sites and subsidies for new affordable housing development;
2. Expand Cohome’s model and remove barriers that prevent adults with disabilities from accessing inclusive, community-based housing opportunities; and
3. End technical parole violations (such as traffic tickets, missed meetings, and unpaid fines) that can lead to individuals being returned to prison.

"Everyone knows that the housing crisis is key to so many challenges in our state. And yet, 50 years after the Mt. Laurel decision, the situation is worse than ever,” said Rev. Dr. Alonzo Perry, Sr., Jersey City Together Co-Chair. NJT leaders highlighted Cohome’s model as a proven path forward for expanding inclusive, affordable housing in New Jersey.

Representative Mikie Sherrill, along with Mayors Ras Baraka and Steven Fulop, attended the event and voiced strong support for NJT’s priorities, including expanding Cohome’s model to meet the needs of families caring for adults with disabilities.

“We’re working on a Cohome here in Montclair because again, I hear from so many families that when children age out of their schools, they’re so concerned about how to help them live as independently as possible," said Rep. Sherrill. "What is that going to look like, especially if something happens to me? I am a huge proponent of Cohomes and cutting through the red tape and regulations to make sure we can continue to build those.”

New Jersey Together leaders pledged to continue organizing statewide to ensure that affordable, inclusive housing and meaningful criminal justice reform remain central priorities for the next administration, no matter who is elected.

To learn more about Cohome’s mission and impact, visit www.cohome.org or follow us on Instagram at @mycohomejourney.