Housing Connector

Bridging the gap between income and housing access

Housing Connector is a national nonprofit using technology to increase access to housing for individuals and families most in need. In partnership with real-estate marketplace Zillow, they connect property owners, community organizations, and residents to create a streamlined housing search that leads to lasting success for both residents and landlords.

In New Jersey, the need is urgent. The 2025 NJCounts Point-in-Time Report found that 13,748 people across 10,408 households were experiencing homelessness on a single night, with Essex County accounting for the highest rate in the state. In Newark, where the median rent far outpaces local incomes, the gap between affordability and availability is especially stark.

That’s why GreenLight Fund Greater Newark brought Housing Connector to the region—to help bridge this divide and expand access to stable, affordable homes.

Nationally, Housing Connector has housed more than 10,000 people, working alongside 3,300 property partners and 350 community organizations across cities including Austin, Dallas, Denver, Orlando, Portland, Sacramento, and throughout Washington State. In Greater Newark, the goal is to house 3,400 residents over the next four years, leveraging local partnerships and proven national infrastructure to ensure every available unit becomes an opportunity for stability and a new start.