Program Provides Rental Assistance  

The Somerset County Homelessness Trust Fund Rental Assistance Program will provide up to 15 months of rental assistance and case management that is intended to help clients become aware of and access resources to help increase their chances of maintaining permanent housing within Somerset County.

The program will provide a monthly subsidy to pay the difference between household rent and 30 percent of the client’s income.  The maximum subsidy that can be provided to a household is $300 per month.

“This program is a tremendous benefit to working families who are struggling with their housing costs,” said Freeholder Patricia Walsh, trust fund liaison.

An applicant must be able to demonstrate that he or she will be able to afford the housing without rental assistance within 15 months.  In order to qualify, all adult members of the household must be working at least 30 hours per week, have a formal lease at a rate that is lower than the fair-market rent, and be within the following 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 complete a monthly household budget;
• must maintain monthly contact with the Program Case Manager; and
• must be willing to accept case management services that include financial management, employment and/or any other services that are deemed necessary for one to maintain permanent housing.

Applicants who meet the criteria will be served on a first-come, first-served basis after being screened by the County Community Development Office.  For more information call the office at (908) 541-5756 or go to http://bit.ly/RentalApplic2014 for an application form.  Applications may be dropped off or mailed.