Friends of Affordable Housing was established to address the issues that have left many long-term New Jersey residents struggling to afford housing in the aftermath of COVID-19. This situation has led to aggressive gentrification and a rise in homelessness. While housing prices continue to soar, local incomes are not keeping pace, making it increasingly difficult for families to either buy or rent homes. The influx of out-of-state buyers is only adding to the problem.

In response, we are launching a housing reform campaign to develop solutions for everyone, including the homeless, seniors, young adults, and first-time buyers. Current affordable housing policies focus mainly on rentals, which don’t address all community needs.

One of our main objectives is to construct tiny homes for individuals living in homeless encampments across New Jersey, beginning near the Lincoln Tunnel on land owned by Hudson County. There is still over $9 million from the American Rescue Plan that has not yet been allocated, intended to address the ongoing homelessness crisis.