The pandemic made clear that permanent, stable housing is a key to good health. In New Jersey, the state is moving forward with a different way to address the need — by allowing hospitals to build housing and provide wraparound services to people who are experiencing homelessness.
In signing the legislation Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said people who are without housing are more likely to be hospitalized, frequently stay longer and require more care. Placing affordable homes near the medical centers could combat that.
Assemblyman Herb Conaway, main sponsor of the legislation, discusses its significance and the prospects for such housing.
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