Middlesex County Accepting Applications for Program to Assist Homeless Veterans

Editor's Note: The following information is a press release from the Middlesex County Office of Economic and Business Development.

The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders is now accepting applications for a bold new initiative to assist County military veterans.

The Veterans Housing Assistance Program, designed to provide financial assistance for homeless veterans or those veterans at imminent risk of homelessness, has been established under the Office of Human Services and will be overseen by the County Veterans Services Coordinator.

It is scheduled to be fully operational by late summer. 

“Depending on individual circumstances, financial assistance might involve funds for security deposits, first month’s rent, temporary rental assistance or rental arrears for a limited period of time,” said Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, chair of the County’s Community Services Committee.

Veterans with an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions, from any of the branches of the U.S. military, including the National Guard and Reserves, are eligible for this program.

Veterans must also be existing Middlesex County residents or have had their last permanent residency in the County within the past six months.

The Freeholders have set aside $100,000 for the program, and assistance will be provided to eligible individuals who meet programs guidelines until funds are depleted.

“This initiative gives back to the men and women who have put themselves into harm’s way to protect our freedom,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Ronald G. Rios, who spearheaded the program.  “It is a workable, sustainable plan that will prevent and end homelessness for our military veterans.”

Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano applauded the initiative: “On behalf of the rest of the Freeholder Board, I want to commend Deputy Director Rios and Freeholder Valenti for their dedication to the veterans of Middlesex County. By taking a holistic approach to meeting the needs of our veterans, we are more effectively serving them. And that is the mark of good government.”

To obtain an application or for further information, including eligibility criteria and other program specifics, please contact Doug Breen, Middlesex County Veterans Services Coordinator, at (732) 745-4051.

Interested veterans may also visit informational tables set up at Brunswick Square Mall in East Brunswick, Menlo Park Mall in Edison and Woodbridge Center Mall in Woodbridge. (See dates and times below.)

Veterans Outreach Services

INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT

THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS ON THE DATES LISTED:

                (Noon to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays)

August 17-18

Brunswick Square Mall

September 14-15

Woodbridge Center Mall

October 19-20

Menlo Park Mall

November 2-3

Woodbridge Center Mall

November  16-17

Brunswick Square Mall