NJ DCA Division of Housing and Community Resources – Trenton, NJ

NJ DCA Housing Choice Voucher Program Overview

The Division of Housing and Community Resources, operating under the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is responsible for administering the state’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8). Headquartered within the William Ashby Community Affairs Building at 101 South Broad Street in Trenton, this agency provides critical rental assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The division manages the statewide waiting list and oversees the distribution of federal housing funds to ensure decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The ‘OnlinePHA’ portal mentioned in the contact information is the specific digital platform used by applicants to apply for the waiting list, update their information, and check their status.

Program Administration and Services

The primary function of this office is the management of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Unlike public housing projects, this program issues vouchers that allow participants to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, provided the housing meets the requirements of the program. The Trenton office handles the administrative side of these vouchers, including eligibility determination, income verification, and housing quality inspections. They also oversee the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) and various homelessness prevention initiatives. Due to high demand, the waiting list is often closed, and the department utilizes the online portal to manage periodic open enrollment periods.

Visiting the William Ashby Building

The division is located in the William Ashby Building, a central government facility in Trenton. Security is strictly enforced to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. All persons entering the building must present a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or state ID) at the security desk. Visitors are required to pass through metal detectors, and all bags, purses, and briefcases are subject to x-ray inspection. Weapons, pepper spray, and sharp objects are prohibited. While the office is open for administrative business, many services regarding waiting list status are best accessed through the online portal or via telephone to avoid long wait times.

Transportation and Accessibility

The William Ashby Building is situated at 101 South Broad Street, a prime location for public transit accessibility. It is serviced by multiple NJ Transit bus routes that stop directly in front of or near the building. The Trenton Transit Center is within walking distance, offering connections to NJ Transit Northeast Corridor trains, SEPTA Regional Rail, and Amtrak. For those driving, paid parking is available in nearby commercial garages and surface lots, as street parking is limited and metered. The building is fully compliant with ADA standards, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms.