Rental Assistance Available for Basking Ridge Residents In Need

Somerset County residents struggling to afford housing will now have access to County resources and rental assistance that will help promote long-term financial stability.

The Somerset County Homelessness Trust Fund Rental Assistance program (HTFRA) is available to provide up to 15 months of rental assistance and monthly case management to qualifying county residents, the Somerset County Board of Freeholders announced in a statement.

The HTFRA program provides a monthly subsidy to pay the difference between household rent and 30 percent of one’s monthly income. The maximum subsidy provided to a household is $300 per month.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they will be able to afford their housing without rental assistance within 15 months. Case management will be provided by a trained volunteer and is intended to help clients set and achieve goals that promote long-term financial stability.

In order to qualify, all adult members of the household must be employed, have a formal lease at a rental rate that is less than the fair market rent for the unit size and be within the following maximum income limits:

• 1 Person - $51,500
• 2 People - $58,800
• 3 People - $66,200
• 4 People - $73,500
• 5 People - $79,400
• 6 People - $85,300

In addition, program participants must meet all three of the following conditions:

1. Must complete a monthly household budget
2. Must attend a monthly meeting with a program case manager
3. Must be willing to accept case-management services that include financial management, employment and/or any other services that are deemed necessary to maintain permanent housing in Somerset County.

Applicants who meet the criteria will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis after being screened by the Somerset County Community Development Office. For more information, call 908-541-5756, email CommDev@co.somerset.nj.us or click here.

Information courtesy of Joanne Vuoso

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