N.J. Stat. § 52:27D-287i: Findings, declarations.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Homelessness is a critical issue affecting communities throughout New Jersey;

b. Homelessness impacts many facets of community life in municipalities, including, but not limited to:

(1) the state of a municipality’s housing stock and broader building stock;

(2) general public safety and public health;

(3) animal welfare related to persons who are experiencing homelessness with their pets, and broader impacts on animal population health in the municipality;

(4) the state of the commercial and business climate in a municipality; and

(5) the broader general welfare of community life in the municipality;

c. Municipalities require additional resources and strategic planning to effectively address homelessness and provide necessary services and supports; and

d. Establishing a dedicated funding source through municipal homelessness trust funds will enable municipalities to implement sustainable and comprehensive strategies to combat homelessness.

L.2025, c.348, s.2.