The program receives its funding from HUD’s McKinney Vento Shelter Plus Care Program and is operated by University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - University Behavioral Healthcare.  The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency provides technical assistance and assists UMDNJ – University Behavior Healthcare with administration of  the Shelter Plus Rental Vouchers. 

The program consists of 16 scattered site properties providing permanent housing project for homeless mental health consumers and for homeless mental health consumers who have coexisting substance abuse issues.  The program has the capacity to house 49 residents in the properties, which are located in five communities throughout Camden County. 

Housing With A Heart is a shared living program, which provides the resident with the privacy of his or her own bedroom, while offering common space for other activities of daily living. Residents of this program pay 30% of their income for rent. While residing in Housing With A Heart, the resident will be required to attend a daytime activity, such as a partial care program, work, school, or vocational rehabilitation. All residents receive supportive services from one of three participating community behavioral healthcare providers: UBHC-The MICA Club, South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources, Inc., and Steininger Behavioral Care Services.

The minimum criteria for potential residents of Housing With A Heart are as follows:

1) The referred consumers must meet HUD’ s definition of Homeless,

2) must have verification of a disability,

3) must have an income,

4) must be able to live independently with as little as 1 to 3 hours supportive service contact per week,

5) must be a Camden resident.

For more information on this program contact Maria DiMaggio, Community Development Officer, at 609-278-7512