In recent months, two comprehensive reports have shed light on the escalating housing crisis in Jersey City and Hudson County. The Jersey City Housing Needs Assessment by the Regional Plan Association and the 2024 Hudson County Point-In-Time Count by Monarch Housing Associates together paint a vivid and urgent picture of our community’s housing challenges. These findings not only underscore the critical gaps in affordability and housing stability but also offer a roadmap for addressing homelessness and building a more equitable future.
The Crisis in Jersey City Housing
The Jersey City Housing Needs Assessment highlights an affordability crisis affecting a broad spectrum of residents. Over 50% of renters in Jersey City are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. New developments have surged, but much of the housing stock is inaccessible to low- and moderate-income families, leaving a gap of approximately 23,000 affordable units.
This disparity is compounded by systemic inequities. Communities of color are disproportionately affected, facing rising rents and displacement due to gentrification. The need for policy interventions—such as inclusionary zoning, community land trusts, and strengthened tenant protections—is clear. As advocates for housing justice, we at The Waterfront Project believe that affordable housing must be at the forefront of the city’s policy agenda.
A Growing Homelessness Crisis
The 2024 Hudson County Point-In-Time (PIT) Count provides a complementary perspective, revealing the human impact of these housing inequities. Homelessness in Hudson County increased by 24% in the past year, reflecting the fallout from lifted eviction moratoriums and skyrocketing rents.
Among the homeless population, communities of color remain disproportionately represented, and subpopulations such as youth, victims of domestic violence, and those experiencing chronic homelessness require targeted support. The increase in unsheltered individuals highlights an urgent need for emergency shelters and permanent supportive housing solutions. This aligns with the housing needs assessment’s call for expanded affordable and supportive housing options.
Connecting the Dots
Together, these reports illuminate a crisis that affects every corner of our community. Housing affordability and homelessness are deeply interconnected, driven by structural inequities, rising costs, and insufficient housing stock for those most in need. The data confirms what The Waterfront Project has witnessed firsthand: too many individuals and families are struggling to find or maintain stable, safe housing.
Solutions for a Better Future
The findings from these reports provide a roadmap for action. Here are key priorities:
- Expand Affordable Housing: Accelerate efforts to produce units affordable to low- and moderate-income households through policies like inclusionary zoning and public land development.
- Strengthen Eviction Prevention: Scale up rental assistance and legal aid programs to keep families in their homes and reduce the risk of homelessness.
- Invest in Supportive Housing: Address the needs of chronically homeless individuals with comprehensive housing solutions that include wraparound services.
- Address Racial Disparities: Prioritize housing policies that rectify systemic inequities and promote equitable access to safe, stable housing.
- Build Community Partnerships: Collaborate with stakeholders, including those with lived experience, to design and implement effective solutions.
A Call to Action
The housing crisis in Jersey City and Hudson County is not insurmountable. With data-driven policies, community collaboration, and a commitment to housing justice, we can create a future where everyone has a place to call home. The Waterfront Project stands ready to lead this charge, advocating for policies and programs that prioritize people over profits and housing over speculation.
Together, we can make a difference. Join us in our mission to ensure housing is a human right and that everyone—regardless of income or background—has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Carol Sainthilaire
Executive Director, The Waterfront Project