This bill mandates that all organizations providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness must participate in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to enhance the tracking of shelter bed occupancy. The HMIS is currently administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), but the bill allows for its potential transfer to the Office of Homelessness Prevention (OHP). The legislation requires the NJHMFA or the OHP, if the HMIS is transferred, to establish rules and regulations that outline the necessary information reporting requirements for participating agencies, specifically including the occupancy status of shelter beds.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the NJHMFA or the OHP will provide grants to assist agencies and private organizations with the costs associated with joining and participating in the HMIS. Organizations that participate will be able to apply for these grants through a process determined by the respective agency's leadership. This initiative aims to improve the coordination and effectiveness of services for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, ensuring that real-time data on shelter availability is accessible to better meet community needs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-287.5, 55:14K-5.5