The New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (NJ DMHAS) and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) have awarded Integrity House funding to expand housing support services for individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health crises, and housing instability. These new initiatives will strengthen Integrity House’s ability to connect vulnerable populations with stable housing and crucial recovery resources.
Funded with support from the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Integrity House has established the Shelter to Home Program, an initiative that entails the provision of case management and supportive services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders who are temporarily residing at DMHAS-funded shelters across several counties. Integrity House case managers provide in-community, housing-specific case management services to transition individuals from temporary housing to long-term, affordable housing and work with participants to develop personalized, time-bound recovery plans that include linkage to substance use treatment, health care, legal services, education, job training and other critical resources.
Separately, thanks to a NJ Housing Supports Provider Readiness Program (HSPRP) grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Integrity House launched the Housing Supports program. Through this initiative, Integrity House works with all NJ Managed Care Organizations, including Aetna, Fidelis, Horizon Blue Cross, United Healthcare and Wellpoint, to deliver pre-tenancy and tenancy case management services to assist NJ FamilyCare members in finding and maintaining stable affordable housing. These services include individualized support such as housing planning, application assistance, landlord mediation, lease renewals, and referrals to financial, legal, and employment resources.
“Housing is an essential component of long-term recovery from substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and chronic physical health conditions,” said Robert Budsock, President and CEO of Integrity House. “By expanding our presence in shelters and strengthening our housing support services, we’re creating pathways to stability and improved well-being. We’re grateful to DMHAS and DCA for their continued partnership in creating healthier communities.”
Together, these programs reflect Integrity House’s commitment to addressing the intersection of housing and behavioral health. By providing wraparound support and working closely with state partners, Integrity House is helping individuals move beyond crisis toward stability, independence, and recovery. For more information on the Shelter to Home program, contact Director of Supportive Housing Noel Vargas at noel_vargas@integrityhouse.org. For more information on the Housing Supports program, email HousingSupport@integrityhouse.org.
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