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Stand Down Operations
Stand Down helps the New Jersey's homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets by providing a broad
range of necessities, including food, clothing, medical, legal and mental health assistance, job counseling,
and referrals, but most importantly, companionship and camaraderie.
Membership is open to Veterans and volunteers over the age of 18 who are willing and able to give of
their time, efforts and resources in assisting programs for homeless veterans.
Veterans Haven
The Transitional Housing Program for homeless veterans occupies one large building on state property in
Winslow Township. The program is divided into three phases: treatment; self-reclamation; and
community reintegration. Each phase lasts three to six months and is tailored to individual treatment
needs and vocational interests.
Eligible veterans are referred from a VA Medical Center after receiving a medical evaluation. To be
admitted into the program, the veteran must agree to a long-term program focusing on psychological,
social and vocational rehabilitation. The program is drug and alcohol free, and has a staff comprised of
professionals in the fields of mental health, addictions, social work, vocational rehabilitation and nursing.
NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA)
The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) offers low interest rate HMFA
mortgages that provide veterans and their families with increased buying power and a savings of
thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. HMFA offers residential mortgages to United
States veterans through the Veterans Administration (VA) home buyer program. Most HMFA
homeownership loans are originated by private lenders that are approved to participate in the programs.
Visit the New Jersey Office of Veterans Affairs website http://www.nj.gov/military for contact
information and benefits assistance.
Financial Assistance Benefits
New Jersey State Income Tax Exclusions
U.S. military pension and survivor's benefit payments are not taxable for New Jersey gross
income tax purposes, regardless of the recipient's age or disability status.
New Jersey Property Tax Deduction
An annual $250 Veterans Property Tax Deduction requires citizenship, state residency, active
wartime service in the U.S. Armed Forces, honorable discharge, property ownership, and the
timely completion of an application. If living, the Veteran must own the property in whole or in
part to qualify for the deduction. Surviving spouse qualifies if all criteria are met. Eligibility for
the deduction is established as of October 1 of the pre-tax year. The application can be filed at
the local tax assessors office with appropriate documentation.