55:14L-1. Findings, declarations

1. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Many adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or who have been diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in New Jersey are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness. These persons would benefit greatly from a supportive housing program which coordinates community support services, including case management, counselling, assistance with tasks of daily living and medical treatment, while also providing shelter and services to their immediate families on a permanent basis;

b. Many existing State programs do not have the resources necessary to provide a supportive housing program which accommodates the need for a continuum of care for persons living with HIV or AIDS and support for their immediate families;

c. The inadequate supply of affordable supportive housing for persons living with HIV or AIDS results in excess health care costs, hinders the ability of service providers to deliver the most cost efficient services to such persons, and frequently leads to the premature placement of dependent children into the child welfare system;

d. The Scattered Site AIDS Permanent Housing Program in the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency will be administered by the agency in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Health, the New Jersey Department of Human Services, the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing opportunities for persons with HIV or AIDS, and their families; and

e. In order for these persons to continue to live independently, it is only fitting and proper that this program be established in law and be provided with the resources necessary to carry out its vital work.

L.1995,c.75,s.1.