Jersey City Right to Counsel Program Helps Residents Stay in Their Homes, with 500 Households Expected to Receive Support This Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2026
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Jersey City Right to Counsel Program Helps Residents Stay in Their Homes, with 500 Households Expected to Receive Support This Year
Mayor James Solomon continues his commitment to protecting tenants and keeping Jersey City residents in their homes
JERSEY CITY, N.J.— Jersey City’s Right to Counsel program is helping residents facing eviction protect their rights and remain in their homes, with 500 households expecting to receive assistance by the end of 2026. Through the program, tenants can access legal representation to challenge unlawful eviction attempts, navigate housing disputes and secure rental assistance.
“Keeping Jersey City residents in their homes means making sure they have the legal support they need when their housing is at risk,” said Mayor James Solomon. “Right to Counsel helps residents understand their rights and access the assistance they need to remain in their homes. We are committed to protecting tenants and keeping Jersey City affordable for the people who call it home.”
Last year, more than 5,700 eviction cases were filed in Jersey City, according to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Through its partnership with The Waterfront Project, a nonprofit providing legal services to low-income residents, the City is helping tenants navigate the eviction process, protect their rights and remain in their homes. From January 1 through October 20, the Right to Counsel program served 308 households, representing 710 individuals. In 95% of the program’s 263 closed cases, residents either preserved their long-term housing or gained additional time in their homes, providing greater stability during a housing crisis.
“No one should have to face eviction without legal representation,” said Vicky Hernandez, Executive Director of The Waterfront Project. “Through Right to Counsel, Jersey City tenants have an attorney in their corner who can enforce their rights and fight for their home. That representation can change the outcome for a family facing eviction, giving them a fair chance to stay and move forward with stability and peace of mind.”
As a City Council member, Mayor Solomon helped advance Right to Counsel to expand access to legal representation for tenants facing eviction. The program is now delivering that support to residents across Jersey City, helping families stay housed and protecting tenants from displacement.
The program has helped residents facing a range of housing challenges. Juan Camacho, who has lived in his Jersey City apartment for 36 years, faced eviction despite paying his rent every month. After new owners of the building withheld rent payments, Juan received free legal representation through Right to Counsel to defend his rights and fight to remain in his home.
"Every renter has a story, and too many are stories of harassment and illegal evictions,” said Jake Ephros, Jersey City Council Ward D Councilmember. “Our Right to Counsel Office is a vital resource for local tenant protections. And stronger tenant protections mean a stronger Jersey City. I’m grateful for our partners at the Waterfront Project and for our city staff who fight tirelessly to keep our neighbors housed.”
The City’s initial $328,000 allocation for Right to Counsel has been fully committed, and The Waterfront Project has continued taking cases throughout the year without interruption. An additional $36,757 will cover the program’s remaining operating costs through December 31, allowing services to continue at current staffing levels.
The City remains committed to ensuring Jersey City residents have access to the legal support they need to protect their rights and stay in their homes. Residents who want to learn more about the program or access legal support can visit righttocounseljc.org.