N.J. Stat. Ann. § 52:27D-280 et seq. § 52:27D-287j
Definitions
Operative Text
3. As used in P.L.2025, c.348 (C.52:27D-287h et seq.): “Community-based organization” means the same as that term is defined in section 3 of P.L.2009, c.123 (C.52:27D-287c). “Municipal homeless housing grant program” means the vehicle by which competitive grants are awarded by the governing body of the municipality, utilizing monies from the municipal homelessness trust fund authorized pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2025, c.348 (C.52:27D-287l), for activities directly related to housing homeless individuals and families, preventing homelessness, and other efforts directly related to permanently housing homeless persons, as administered by the municipality or its designated subcontractor. “Homeless housing plan” means a strategic plan adopted by a municipality, prepared in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs and a community-based organization that operates in or serves the municipality, to address the housing needs of persons experiencing homelessness within its jurisdiction that includes measurable and achievable objectives to end homelessness in the municipality. “Outcome measurement” means the same as that term is defined in section 3 of P.L.2009, c.123 (C.52:27D-287c). “Person experiencing homelessness” means an individual living outside, or in a building not meant for human habitation or which the person as no legal right to occupy, in an emergency shelter, or in a temporary housing program which may include a transitional and supportive housing program if habitation time limits exist, or temporarily in the home of another household, or in a hotel or motel. “Trust fund” means a municipal homelessness trust fund established pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2025, c.348 (C.52:27D-287l). L.2025, c.348, s.3.
Section 52:27D-287j of New Jersey's P.L.2025, c.348 establishes the key definitions that govern the state's municipal homeless housing framework. It sets out what qualifies as a 'person experiencing homelessness,' what constitutes a 'homeless housing plan,' and how terms like 'trust fund' and 'municipal homeless housing grant program' are to be understood throughout the law. These definitions determine who is covered by the program, what activities are eligible for funding, and how municipalities must structure their planning and grant-making efforts.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although N.J.S.A. 52:27D-287j is a definitions section rather than a direct operational mandate, property owners and managers should be aware that the term 'person experiencing homelessness' is defined broadly under P.L.2025, c.348 to include individuals in hotels, motels, or temporarily staying in another household. Municipalities operating under this framework may engage community-based organizations and administer grant programs that intersect with local housing markets. Operators who participate in transitional, supportive, or temporary housing programs funded through a municipal homelessness trust fund should understand how these definitions shape program eligibility and reporting requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 52:27D-287j of P.L.2025, c.348 defines who qualifies as a 'person experiencing homelessness' under New Jersey's municipal homeless housing framework, which includes people staying in shelters, motels, temporary programs with time limits, or temporarily in someone else's home. Individuals who meet this definition may be eligible for services or housing assistance funded through a municipal homelessness trust fund or delivered via a municipal homeless housing grant program. Those who believe they qualify can reach out to their local municipality or a community-based organization operating in their area to learn what programs and protections may be available under this law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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