SCLAHP transitional housing in Salem County NJ

The Inter Agency Council of Human Services administers one of the more successful transitional housing programs in Salem County, New Jersey. To help homeless households become good tenants, the agency’s program offers a chance to live in a proper home while saving money towards future rent.

Many community leaders argue that transitional housing is sorely needed in Salem County. They point out the financial obstacles that await someone that needs to rent a home from a private landlord.

Many people living on the fringe can barely afford to pay one month’s rent. Coming up with two months of rent payments so that a deposit can be paid is almost impossible for some citizens of Salem County.

To meet this need, Inter Agency Council of Human Services oversees the Salem County Leased Apartments/Homes Program (SCLAHP). SCLAHP uses an inventory of apartments and homes to house individuals, couples and families of Salem County who have no place to live. It gets them off the streets, cars, motels or homeless shelters.

Anyone who qualifies for this transitional housing program may remain in the home for up to two years. This is an excellent solution for a family in crisis who needs help returning to independent living. Instead of forking over large sums each week or month to pay rent, residents are able to save money towards a future rental contract. It allows them to afford to pay advance rent, security deposit, moving costs and even utility deposits from their own money.

With up to a two year commitment, each participant has the opportunity to address credit issues, debt problems and holes in income. Perhaps they simply need stability while paying off an old debt, such as arrears from a previous eviction. Others may need time to study for a higher earning job. An associates degree could allow for a better job that pays the bills.

Once someone does move on to a private home, the agency will still follow up for up to six months. They want to make sure that there are no issues that cause the family to slip back into homelessness.

There are actually four agencies that collaborate on the SCLAHP project. Inter Agency Council on Human Services is responsible for managing this relationship and to ensure that families are able to prosper while being housed in the agency’s housing.

Anyone who believes they meet the low income criteria for participating should contact the SCLAHP coordinator. The contact number is 856-935-7510.