Governor Christie Boosts Homeless Aid In New Jersey
GLASSBORO, N.J. (CBS) -- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie traveled to South Jersey to announce expansion of a program to combat homelessness in the Garden State.
Christie's proposed budget for the next fiscal year contains an extra 5.4 million dollars to pay for 500 rental vouchers for chronically homeless families and veterans.
"This is not about anything other than serving families who need it," Christie said, "and I know that New Jersey is filled with compassionate citizens who believe this is part of the role of government to play."
The Governor credits a move to centralize services paired with taking advice from social service experts in the field with bringing down homelessness 41% statewide over eight years, including a 25% reduction for families with children in the last year alone.
Pilot programs in Camden and elsewhere in the state are being expanded to allow for the additional assistance.
So how will the extra money be handed out?
"400 of the 500 rental vouchers will be allocated to chronically homeless households and 100 will be dedicated to homeless veterans," he said.
Christie met before the announcement with administrators and clients at Robin's Nest, which has provided help for troubled youth and the homeless for 50 years.
