April 7, 2024
In New Jersey, a lack of affordable housing is causing a housing crisis.
Wages are not keeping pace with the rising costs of rents which is causing affordable housing to be in short supply. And, Monmouth County is one of the most expensive areas for renters in the state. According to the National Low Income Housing Commission, “In New Jersey, renter households must earn $38.08/hour to afford a two bedroom at Fair Market Rent, just shy of $80K a year.”
This means an average worker earning New Jersey’s current minimum wage of $15.13/hour would have to work 101 hours a week to be able to afford a two bedroom rental home. That means this worker would have to have the equivalent of 2.5 full time jobs paying minimum wage to be able to afford a two bedroom apartment.
Because of this, Lunch Break’s Family Promise is experiencing unprecedented need. Our staff is working tirelessly to find housing for those in need.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity please contact Memone Crystian via email mcrystian@lunchbreak.org or by phone at (732) 747-8577 ext. 3305
