Homefirst: Interfaith Housing & Family Services

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FAQ

faq

What is considered affordable housing?

  • A unit is considered affordable if it costs no more than 30% of the renter's income
What does it take to live in NJ?
  • In NJ the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,103.
  • In order to afford this rent without paying more than 30% of their income, a houshold must earn$44,112 annually.
What can a minimum wage worker afford?
  • In New Jersey a minimum wage worker earns $7.15 hourly.
  • In order to afford the FMR for a two-bedroom apartment, a minimum wage worker must work 119 hours per week, 52 weeks per year!
  • In order to make the apartment afford a houshold may also include 3 minimum wage workers working 40 hours a week year round.
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How hard is it for a renter making an average wage to afford the Fair Market Rent of a two-bedroom?

  • In New Jersey the average wage for a renter is $14.94 an hour.
  • Inorder to afford the Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment at this wage, a renter must work 57 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.
Where do the families go when they leave the Homefirst Interfaith Hospitality Network?
  • Some are ready to move into an apartment of their own – we assist with housing vouchers, first month’s rent and security deposit.
  • When available and appropriate a family moves into Homefirst owned Transitional Housing.
  • Some families move directly into Homefirst owned Permanent Housing.
  • Occasionally a family moves out of the area or into another program that serves their needs better.

More facts and figures on homelessness: