Extreme Heat and Supportive Housing in New Jersey
As temperatures rise in the summer, many New Jerseyans are facing increasing challenges due to heat events. Among affected populations, people living in supportive housing or needing assistance face increased safety concerns. SHA’s latest white paper, “Extreme Heat and Supportive Housing in New Jersey” examines the challenges present in warming climates and how the Garden State can proactively respond to keep residents safe in existing homes and needs for new construction or redevelopment.
Main Author
Yuhao Zheng (MCRP ’27) is a graduate student at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. His internship with SHA covered the 2025–2026 academic year, including contributions to the development of a housing navigation pilot in Passaic County, member survey work, and research for policy analysis. Yuhao also works as a research assistant with Bloustein research centers and faculty members on projects related to hospital consolidation and land redevelopment. His policy interests focus on housing, public health, and social accessibility.
With support from
Zoe Karch is a MPA student at Baruch College working at SHA through the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey’s (HCDNNJ) Community Scholar program. She is excited to continue her work in policy and administration and gain a better understanding of how organizations like SHA help to bring together diverse interests to create a more equitable and accessible housing industry in New Jersey.
Sofia Hiltner is a PhD candidate in sociology at University of Michigan researching healthcare and housing policy in the U.S. She completed her bachelors in psychology at Princeton University and Master of Social Work at University of Michigan. She previously worked at the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund.
Luke Burston is a Master of Public Policy student at Rutgers University with interests in housing, economic development, and education policy. He gained experience in housing and community development through his work with the New York City Housing Development Corporation and the HCDNNJ. Luke is excited to build on his experience and continue learning through his work with SHA.
Best Practices Report
SHA conducted nationwide research to survey which best practices will effectively enhance the resources and navigation of the current supportive housing system. Research involved examining policies, funding, service delivery, training, and resources within New Jersey and across the country.
The result is a report that offers a description of applicable best practices, examples of implementation, background resource material, and specific recommendations for implementation in New Jersey. Deborah Wehrlen lead researcher and author drew upon the expertise of grant partners including The Arc of NJ, Autism NJ, The Housing and Community Development Network of NJ, and Autism Speaks, as well as local and national leaders. The research and report were made possible with grant funding provided by the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD).