Trenton, NJ – The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) today welcomed the Murphy Administration’s announcement that the state has surpassed 200,000 approved housing permits, calling the milestone an important step toward addressing New Jersey’s housing shortage while underscoring the urgent need to fully restore and expand the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF).

“At a time when the housing crisis is squeezing families in every region of the state, this progress matters and we can’t afford to back down,” said Matthew Hersh, vice president of policy and advocacy for the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey. “This milestone cannot be the finish line. Given New Jersey’s shortfall of roughly 250,000 affordable homes, we need to significantly increase our investment in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to truly address the affordability crisis.”

As the lame duck session continues into January, the Network will be expanding its advocacy efforts, including additional billboard campaigns and other public actions, to urge Governor Murphy and legislative leaders to fully restore and strengthen the AHTF.

“We cannot afford to lose momentum now,” Hersh said. “Without full and sustained funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, too many low- and moderate-income residents will remain locked out of safe, decent homes they can afford. The AHTF is the state’s most critical tool for turning housing approvals into real, affordable homes in communities across New Jersey.”

The Network stressed that fully restoring and expanding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is essential to meeting the needs of seniors, working families, people with disabilities, and others who are increasingly being priced out of their own neighborhoods.

“The Murphy Administration deserves recognition for reaching a historic level of housing production and for making significant investments in affordable home development,” said Matthew Hersh, vice president of policy and advocacy for the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey. “New Jersey has made important progress, but now is the moment to build on it and ensure that housing growth translates into lasting affordability and stability for residents statewide.”

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 270 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

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