Freeholders to hold public hearing for federal housing funds

A PUBLIC HEARING on the allocation of $2,353,707 in 2011 federal housing and development funds is set for May 4 before the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The Freeholders will invite public testimony on both a $1,114,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and a $1,239,707 Federal HOME award.

"Unfortunately, funding for both of these programs have been significantly cut by the federal government," said Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little.

Little noted that CDBG funds were trimmed by 16 percent compared to last year and HOME funding was down 12 percent.

"Despite these cuts we will allocate the remaining funds to programs that improve the quality of life for the residents of Ocean County," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari.

HOME funds will be allocated to four programs in 2011, Vicari said.

First-Time Homebuyers program, housing rehabilitation efforts, affordable rental units built community development housing organizations, and tenant-based rental assistance programs will share in the funds.

Little said all of the programs have been successful in helping low-income residents find a home.

To date, the First-Time Home Buyers Program has helped 394 families purchase their first home.

"This year another 22 families will purchase a new home thanks to this important program," Little said.

Another six homes will undergo extensive repairs through the Housing Rehabilitation funds. To date, 214 homes have been repaired through this initiative.

Affordable Rental Units have provided homes to 109 residents.

An additional 602 families have benefited from the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program, which provides an $803 per month rental subsidy for up to 24 months.

Thirty additional families will receive funding from the program in 2011.

Vicari said CDBG funds totaling $568,739 will fund sidewalk and handicapped access improvements in 14 towns, including Bay Head, Eagleswood, Lakehurst, Lavallette, Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach, Manchester, Mantoloking, Ocean Gate, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, and South Toms River.

Grant money will also be allocated to housing rehabilitation and public services.

Eleven non-profit agencies, including food banks, services for the homeless and programs for domestic violence and abused and neglected children will receive funding, Vicari said.

The Public Hearing on the grants is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4 at 4 p.m. in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Avenue.

Change in Workforce Housing meeting

From Connie:

I have delayed sending this notice because several members of our group are part of the new Fair and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee established by Toms River.  The next meeting of this Committee is scheduled for Monday, May 2, 2011 at 4 p.m. in the second floor meeting room of the Toms River Municipal Building.  This is a direct conflict with our normal meeting date and time.

The Committee was created by the Township as part of its admirable effort to produce a comprehensive Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, as well as obtain input concerning ways to address the need for affordable housing.  I spoke with the Township employee who is in charge of this effort and asked her if other interested members of the Workforce Housing group could attend the Committee meeting, in addition to those who are already part of the Committee as representatives of their individual congregations/organizations.   She said that this would be okay.

This is an opportunity for us to share our knowledge, ideas and concerns with the Township in a meaningful way.  Consequently, in lieu of our regular meeting, we will instead participate in the Fair and Affordable Housing Committee meeting.  Please attend if you can.  (Note that the meeting starts at 4 p.m.  The TR Municipal building in on Washington Street in downtown Toms River, across from the Courthouse and next to the library.)   

Our regular meeting schedule will resume on June 6th.

Barnegat library branch to offer preperation for US Citizenship test

The Barnegat branch of the Ocean County Library, 112 Burr St., will offer a six-week series of classes to help people prepare for the US Citizenship test.

The teacher will help students understand the following:

·         The benefits and responsibilities of citizenship

·         Eligibility for naturalization

·         Help filling out application for naturalization

Students will receive a copy of the citizenship test. Each session students will go over questions and will go over how to spell and write English words and sentences. Knowledge of the English language is the most important part of passing the test!

The program is free but registration is required- you are signing up for all six sessions to be held Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. starting May 10th  and ending June 14th.

Preparación para la ciudadanía de Estados Unidos

Este curso de seis semanas se diseña para ayudar a estudiantes a pasar la prueba para la ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos. El instructor ayudará a estudiantes a entender estos factores:

·         Las ventajas y las responsabilidades de la ciudadanía

·         Elegibilidad para la naturalización

·         Ayuda en completar la hoja de la naturalización

 Information about the event can be found online at www.oceancountylibrary.org or by phone at (609) 698-3331.

VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE

Judge Grasso advised today that he is rescheduling the court hearing until Thursday, May 5, at 1:30 p.m. Please change the date in your calendars and join us if you can! As previously, the hearing will be an argument on whether there is a right to emergency shelter under the NJ Constitution and other NJ law. Again, the hearing will be held in Courtroom 1 in the Old Courthouse at the corner of Hooper Ave. and Washington St. in Toms River.

OC Connection Mobile Service Center to visit library locations

The County Connection Mobile Service Center will be at several branches of the Ocean County Library.  Services provided by the mobile unit include County IDs, passports, senior and veteran services, consumer affairs, voter registration and parks and tourism information. (Fees are required for some services.)

Point Pleasant Boro, 834 Beaver Dam Rd. (732) 295-1555; Thursday 5/19 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Little Egg Harbor, 290 Mathistown Rd (609) 294-1197; Friday 5/20 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Plumsted, 119 Evergreen Rd., New Egypt (609) 758-7888;  Monday 6/6  1:00-3:00pm

Long Beach Island, 217 S. Central Av, Surf City (609) 494-2480; Friday 6/24, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Library branches host free English conversation sessions

Are you new to speaking English? Join the conversation each week as current events and other subjects of interest are discussed.  New members are always welcome.  These groups are free and open to the public.  (Note: these are not English as a Second Language classes.)

Barnegat, 112 Burr St, (609) 698-3331: Groups and individual conversation available.  Special times can also be arranged.  Please call Peggy at 609-698-3331 to register or stop by circulation desk.

Berkeley, 30 Station Rd., Bayville (732) 269-2144): Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28

Brick, 301 Chambers Bridge Rd. (732) 477-4513: Tuesdays, 7 p.m.  5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31

Jackson 2 Jackson Dr. (732) 928-4400: Mondays, 7 p.m. 5/2, 5/9, 5/16. 5/23, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27

Little Egg Harbor 290 Mathistown Rd. (609) 294-1197: Wednesdays 7:30 p.m.  6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29

Point Pleasant Beach 710 McLean Av. (732) 892-4575: Tuesdays, 6 p.m.  5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28

Toms River, 101 Washington St. (732) 349-6200: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.  6/7, 6/8, 6/14, 6/15, 6/21, 6/22, 6/28, 6/29

Library hosts glucose screening in Manchester 5/19

The Manchester branch of the Ocean County Library (21 Colonial Dr., 732-657-7600) will conduct a glucose screening Thursday May 19 between 10 and 11 a.m.  The screenings are provided by St. Barnabus Health System.

St. Francis Senior Services at LEH library branch

St. Francis Senior Services will have an outreach worker available at the Little Egg Harbor branch of the Ocean County Library for assistance with the following programs: benefits screenings, home visits, hot lunch program, Meals-On-Wheels, SHIP Counseling (State Health Insurance Program), PADD Program (Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled), energy assistance, care management, caregiver education and much more. 

Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon: 5/5 and 5/19; 6/2 and 6/16

To schedule an appointment please call 609-494-8861 ext 180 or just stop in.

Ocean County Library offers employment help

Job search assistance can be found at the 21 Ocean County Library locations.  Contact a librarian to help you find databases with job listings and information on how to conduct a job search and prepare a resume.

The Toms River branch, 101 Washington St. (732) 349-6200 will help you find a job using Career Transitions Online Tuesday May 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

The Brick branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Rd. (732) 477-4513 will host a free seminar, “You, Your Job Search & Application” Saturday June 18 between 2 and 4 p.m.

Fred Weintraub will help attendees develop positive drive and interview skills for a job search.  The program is designed for participants to examine their qualifications, consider targeted training, and learn to match skills with the needs of an employer.  Registration is required.

For more information call the branch or visit the library Website: http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org/

Court hearing 4/29 @ 10 am Can you stop & show your support?

As you know, on April 29th at 10 a.m., Judge Grasso in Toms River will be deciding whether to let us continue our case seeking to establish a right to shelter under New Jersey law. If we can establish such a right, the homeless could not be turned away, as they are now, by government officials in Ocean County and throughout New Jersey.

The law and common sense should go hand in hand. Thus, you may be interested in taking a look at our attached legal brief. In any event, if you or anyone you know can be anywhere near the Toms River area on the morning of Friday, April 29th at 10 a.m., please mark your calendars to show up in Courtroom 1 in the Old Courthouse (at the corner of Hooper Ave. and Washington St.), to: (1) show your support for the homeless, many who will be in the courtroom as well; (2) hear constitutional arguments live (something very rare); and (3) hear how the judge reacts to the arguments by both sides. If we can beat the motion to dismiss, we will have an opportunity to make legal history -- and give the desperate homeless the safety net that they deserve.

To view the motion arguing in favor of the homeless click here.

Jeffrey J. Wild, Member of the Firm Lowenstein Sandler PC, 65 Livingston Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068/973-597-2554 (direct telephone)/973-597-2555 (direct fax) -and- 1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020/Tel: 212.262.6700

Residents & Jackson groups clean up winter storm damage in Tent City

Many hands make light work,” said Susan, with a hint of an Irish lilt in her voice.

Susan, a member of the Jackson Women of Today community service group, joined more than 30 people who gathered to clean up the debris from this winter’s storm damage in Lakewood’s Tent City Saturday, April 16th.

Social worker Tracy Boyer (MSW, LSW) and Stephen Brigham, the unofficial leader of the Tent City community, recognized the need for a large-scale cleanup of the area and last Saturday told the Kiwanis Club of Jackson about it. The following afternoon a four-member team examined the site and developed a plan.

Six days later a group of community service volunteers, along with the majority of Tent City residents, joined together in the cleanup effort.

“Working together, we’re dynamite!” said Mario Guerra, a Tent City resident.

Tent City is a roughly two-acre clearing on the east side of the township. Tents and makeshift structures that are wrapped in plastic to protect its residents from the elements line a deeply rutted, single-width dirt lane. A spur branches off for a few dozen feet midway along the lane, hosting more tents.

About 40 people live there.

For many of these people it is the only shelter they can find in a town and county that is experiencing a growing homeless population.

It is also a community in which people, experiencing common difficulties and cultural diversity, gather to help each other.

This past winter, snowstorms made it extra tough on the residents.

A 27-inch snowfall flattened all the tents and drove people into two teepee-like structures, whose steeply pitched walls shed the weight of the snow. It was a devastation that some could not recover from and they abandoned their tents.

Saturday’s clean up removed those destroyed tents and provided the community service groups a chance to assist the homeless in their struggle to survive.

Jo Corbiscello, president of the Jackson Helping Hands Foundation, said her group is interested in helping people in the community and surrounding area achieve a quality standard of living.

“If we all can work together, we can achieve a better environment for our homeless,” she said.

All three of the community service groups that participated in yesterday’s project are members of the “Jackson 501.c.3,” an affiliation of the Jackson’s nonprofit organizations that coordinates their events and assist each other in large-scale projects.

“This is heartwarming to see the homeless chip in and work together with these groups who have given up their Saturday to help,” said Brigham. “It encourages the homeless because it shows there is concern from the community for them.”

The cleanup started at 7 a.m. as the volunteers began clearing away the debris and loading it into two large dumpsters provided by Bil-Jim Construction Company. Phil’s Tree Service also assisted in the effort.

“We thought we’d do for the homeless what we do best, a hand’s-on project to assist the people in Tent City,” said Kiwanis Club of Jackson president Fran Polito. “We’re gratified to work with the residents and we recommend that others get involved.”

Over the past couple of years many other groups have assisted by providing food and clothing for the homeless in Tent City.

The Kiwanis club, along with several other local groups and churches, has recently hosted a series of forums that put a face on the homeless by introducing them and their stories to county residents; presented strategies that have been successfully used throughout the state to assist the homeless; and offered opportunities for Ocean County residents to step up and volunteer to help.

“The key to ending homelessness is collaboration,” said Steven Nagel, the Executive Director of Info Line of Central Jersey and past governor of the Kiwanis New Jersey district, during the March 28th forum. “That collaboration includes all the stakeholders: county government, the business community; the homeless, community service groups, the clergy and the residents.”

The cleanup was completed by 10 a.m., well ahead of the projected completion time and beating the predicted rains. And then the Kiwanis Club of Jackson did the second-best thing the club is known for: it cooked.

Kiwanians Dan and Bob fired up the grills and BBQ’ed chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, and sausages for the residents and volunteers who assisted with the cleanup.

“Hey, hey – if no one told you – thanks,” said a woman resident from Tent City.

Believe me, many people said “Thank you” Saturday morning. And believe me when I say, “The pleasure was all ours.”

Thanks for providing us the opportunity to help.

A slideshow of photographs from the cleanup can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/22036136@N07/sets/72157626396651517/show/

Residents & Jackson groups clean up winter storm damage in Tent city

“Many hands make light work,” said Susan, with a hint of an Irish lilt in her voice.

Susan, a member of the Jackson Women of Today community service group, joined more than 30 people who gathered to clean up the debris from this winter’s storm damage in Lakewood’s Tent City Saturday, April 16th.

Social worker Tracy Boyer and Stephen Brigham, the unofficial leader of the Tent City community, recognized the need for a large-scale cleanup of the area and last Saturday told the Kiwanis Club of Jackson about it.  The following afternoon a four-member team examined the site and developed a plan.  Six days later a group of community service volunteers, along with the majority of Tent City residents, joined together in the cleanup effort.

“Working together, we’re dynamite!” said Mario Guerra, a Tent City resident.

For the complete article click here

Federal Rental Assistance Facts: NJ

About 34% of all NJ households - 1,068,697 - are renters. Federal rental assistance helps more than 156,647 NJ households rent modest housing at an affordable cost. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has prepared a chart to help understand the Fed's assistance. To view the one-page report click https://docs.google.com/document/d/11TPMSR9JIzg92CBtDRn45cSI2aL9_qRojpDGaqGco9A/edit?hl=en#

Fundraiser for southern Ocean County food banks

16th Annual Taste of Southern Ocean Hunger Relief Dinner The Southern Ocean County Community Foundation and the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a fundraiser to benefit local food banks. Date: May 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm Place: Sea Oaks in Little Egg Harbor Cost: $125 per plate Phone # to Reserve: 609-494-7211 For more information click here.

OC Freeholders announce transportation grants

Non-Profits Get Assistance From County 4/13/2011 TOMS RIVER – Now in its 26th year, Ocean County is getting ready to distribute more than $47,000 in grant funds to 20 non-profit organizations that help provide transportation to the elderly and disabled. "This program goes hand-in-hand with our Ocean Ride public transportation system by helping to offset transportation costs for some non-profit organizations," said Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to Ocean Ride. The minigrant program began in 1985 and has provided almost $1.6 million to a variety of local non-profit organizations to support their efforts to provide transportation services to their specific participants. "The program is funded through a portion of the county's casino revenue grant received from NJ Transit," Little said. "Ocean County continues to be the only county in the state to provide a portion of its grant funds to help local non-profit agencies." Kathleen Edmond, director of the Ocean County Department of Transportation, noted that the maximum grant award for the 2011 program was $2,400. In recognition of the fact that Ocean County's casino grant has been reduced in recent years, the Ocean County Transportation Advisory Committee recommended that the transportation minigrant allocation maximum grant award total $2,400. "This measure was recommended to avert more drastic measures should the County receive additional cuts from the state's casino fund in coming years," Little noted. "Further, given recent earnings reports from the Atlantic City casino industry, the committee recommended to continue the suspension on considering new applicants, since doing so would place an additional strain on the minigrant program in future years." Grant recipients are: The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, Inc.; Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey; Community Medical Center Foundation; Community Services, Inc. of Ocean County; Counseling and Referral Services of Ocean County/Seashore Family Services Inc.; Eye Openers of Point Pleasant/Brick; Interfaith Health & Support Services of Southern Ocean County; Jewish Family & Children's Services/Jewish Federation of O.C.; LADACIN Network (Cerebral Palsy of Mon./Ocean Counties); Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc.; Manchester Township Senior Outreach Program; NJ Coalition on Women & Disabilities Ocean County Chapter, Ocean County Board of Social Services; Ocean Housing Alliance, Inc.; Our Special Kids of Toms River Inc.; The Special Children Center, Inc.; Team Randy; Toms River Township Senior Center; Twenty-One-Plus, Inc., and Vetwork, A Program of Vetgroup, Inc. "The size of Ocean County – more than 620 square miles – makes it difficult for the county to run a transportation system that can accommodate the needs of all of our residents," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services. "Providing this funding to these agencies helps to enhance the county's program." Grant applications are reviewed by the Ocean County Transportation Services Department in cooperation with the Ocean County Transportation Advisory Committee for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities, which makes the funding recommendation to the freeholders.

2011 Budget increases McKinney-Vento funding $40 M - 2 responses

The final Fy2011 Budget includes a $40 million increase to McKinney-Vento programs, to $1.905 billion. Congress is setting aside $225 million for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, about $65 million more than in FY 2010 – which can all go toward HPRP-like activities. This will give communities much-needed rapid re-housing and prevention resources as HPRP funding ends. The modest increase does not necessarily change a difficult set of choices. As Ann Oliva, Director of HUD's Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs has previously stated, "At that level, HUD projects that ESG and competitive renewals can be funded. However, the HEARTH Act could not be fully funded. We commit to providing you with as much information as possible once it becomes clear what the funding level will be." Her comments were based on level funding of $1.865 billion. For more information use this link: http://monarchhousing.org/2011/04/12/40-million-more-for-the-homeless/ Please share. Yours, Richard W. Brown Chief Executive Officer Monarch Housing Associates Good morning McKinney Campaign Advocates. Late last night, House and Senate leaders released their proposed final FY 2011 funding bill. The bill includes a $40 million INCREASE to McKinney-Vento programs, to $1.905 billion. Congress is setting aside $225 million for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, about $65 million more than in FY 2010 – which can all go toward HPRP-like activities. This will give communities much-needed rapid re-housing and prevention resources as HPRP runs down. This is a reflection of all of the GREAT work that you have all put in over the past year – especially in recent months – to make sure Members of Congress understand how important these programs are. The full text of the bill is available here. In total, the FY 2011 budget will be about $40 BILLION less than in FY 2010, making an increase to ANY program VERY impressive. This is by far the BIGGEST non-defense one-year spending cut in American history, meaning that each program and Department will feel the impact. So, to say that McKinney-Vento programs received an increase is a HUGE deal. Although this is not as much of an increase as we would have liked or as will be needed to fully implement the HEARTH Act, it will certainly be helpful in addressing increases in homelessness and in continuing the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). Thank you SO much for all of your hard work! YOU are the reason Congress gave us an increase DESPITE the incredible cuts implemented across all agencies. So, what happens now? The House is expected to pass this final bill tomorrow, and then the Senate is likely to pass it on Thursday. The President is expected to sign the legislation this week. Once it wraps up FY 2011 work this week, Congress is going to turn IMMEDIATELY to FY 2012 appropriations. Although we are happy to see an increase to McKinney-Vento programs, as we all know, this isn’t enough to make the substantial progress needed in implementing the HEARTH Act, so we’ll have to work EXTRA hard in FY 2012. Because FY 2011 work is being finished so late in the year, things are behind scheduled for FY 2012, so it will be important to start our advocacy work very quickly. Keep an eye out for more information from us soon on this effort. So, what can you do now? We should call our Representatives and Senators. Let’s make sure they know how GLAD we were to see that they are recommending an INCREASE to McKinney-Vento programs. However, we should also let them know that this isn’t nearly enough to fully implement the HEARTH Act, and we’ll need their support to get the needed increase in FY 2012. As always, please let me know if you have any questions. We really can’t thank you enough for your help on this Campaign. The Alliance is honored to work with each and every one of you. Thanks! Amanda Amanda Krusemark Program and Policy Associate National Alliance to End Homelessness

Women Veteran homelessness

There was an interesting article about homeless veterans in Huffington Post today. Inside the article is a link to a report from the federal government released earlier this year. It revealed that veterans are 50 percent more likely to become homeless than other Americans, and "female veterans are twice as likely to be in the homeless population as they are to be the US adult female population."

County & Lakewood filed their briefs

For the lawyers among you (or anyone else interested in the legal issues), attached are copies of the papers filed by the Board of Social Services, Ocean County and Lakewood. All of these papers seek, one way or the other, dismissal of our claim that a right to emergency shelter should be recognized in New Jersey. We are in the process of drafting our opposition papers, which are due a week from today, on April 18th. The oral argument remains scheduled for Friday, April 29th at 10 a.m. This may be a challenge legally, but it is a challenge that needs to be taken on, and hopefully Judge Grasso can be convinced not to grant the attached motion and throw out our claims against these governmental defendants. Jeffrey J. Wild Member of the Firm Lowenstein Sandler PC 65 Livingston AvenueRoseland, NJ 07068 973-597-2554 (direct telephone) 973-597-2555 (direct fax)

2 programs on tap to assist the poor-save the date

Two programs have will be presented in the next two months to assist the poor, so save the date. May 9th, a program will be held at Georgian Court University aboput poverty. A Q&A session will follow. The time of the program has not been set yet. Sponsored by the Anti-poverty Networks of New Jersey and the Poverty Research Institute. June 16, :"Foreclosure: Moving from Fear to Positive Actions!" will be held at the Ocean County Library, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This public educational forum will share information and raise awareness about foreclosure. It is presented by the Ocean County Human Relations Commission, in partnership with the Union County Human Relations Commission and cosponsored by the Central Ocean Rotary Club; PFLAG; the Multicultural Office at Ocean County College and the Kiwanis Club of Jackson; and the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The forum will present a brief overview of foreclosure in Ocean County with a response by Caroline Peterilla on New Jersey's Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Initiative. Other topics may include "The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA);" "The Vital Role of the Housing Counselors;" and "How to Fight Foreclosure Scams." (Unfortunately there are a lot of scam artists who try to convince distressed homeowners they can help avoid foreclosure "for a fee." Never pay anyone and be sure to report any incidents.) More information will be released.

Easter baskets available

If you know of anyone in Ocean County who needs an Easter basket, please have them contact me ASAP. My distribution will be on Wednesday, 4/20 for all who are registered. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you, Nancy McCorry Salvation Army Community Outreach Manager (732) 270-8393

Barnegat, developer agree on affordable-housing project

BARNEGAT — The Township Committee and a local developer have reached a settlement on a lawsuit clearing the way for affordable housing units to be built on Route 9 near the former Down the Hatch bar. http://www.app.com/article/20110411/NJNEWS/104110349/Barnegat-developer-agree-affordable-housing-project?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFrontpage

CDBG Cut by $942 Million; FEMA Cut $80 Million

The final CR will include a total of $1.049 trillion in funding, a nearly $40 billion reduction from fiscal year 2010 levels. This includes the $12 billion in reductions previously approved by Congress and signed into law under the previous three continuing resolutions, as well as nearly $28 billion in additional new spending cuts. For more details and an overview use this link: http://monarchhousing.org/2011/04/12/budget-cuts-detailed/

HEARTH news

As a result of HEARTH, Continuums of Care will be able to use up to 10 percent of their funding to serve families with children and unaccompanied youth who are homeless because they are living unstably or meet the definitions of homelessness used by the Department of Education. We have reviewed the CIACC Collaboration model in Ocean County and believe it provides a collaborative model that can assist CoC's in ending family homelessness. Alan F. Ferraro, Training Instructor/Director McKinney-Vento Displaced Family Services for Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean wrote an overview of this model including a PowerPoint presentation. To read more and to access the PowerPoint and related resources use this link: http://monarchhousing.org/2011/04/11/ciacc-coc-collaboration/

HEARTH news

As a result of HEARTH, Continuums of Care will be able to use up to 10 percent of their funding to serve families with children and unaccompanied youth who are homeless because they are living unstably or meet the definitions of homelessness used by the Department of Education. We have reviewed the CIACC Collaboration model in Ocean County and believe it provides a collaborative model that can assist CoC's in ending family homelessness. Alan F. Ferraro, Training Instructor/Director McKinney-Vento Displaced Family Services for Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean wrote an overview of this model including a PowerPoint presentation. To read more and to access the PowerPoint and related resources use this link: http://monarchhousing.org/2011/04/11/ciacc-coc-collaboration/

Advocate's guide available

The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2011 Advocates’ Guide to Housing and Community Development Policy is intended to provide advocates, policymakers, students, and others with information on the most relevant housing and housing-related programs and issues at the federal level, as well as information related to the community planning process. To read more and to access a copy of the 2011 Advocates’ Guide to Housing and Community Development Policy use this link: http://monarchhousing.org/2011/04/10/2011-advocates-guide/

Webinar on Mpls. strategy to end homelessness

Wednesday April 20 at 2 p.m. EST, NAEH's Center for Capacity Building will host a webinar on improving prevention targeting efforts T. Cathy ten Broeke, City/County Coordinator to End Homelessness for Minneapolis/Hennepin County, MN, will present that community's strategy for targeting those people most at risk of homelessness. To read more about this important webinar and the successful work in Minneapolis/Hennepin County use this link: http://monarchhousing.org/2011/04/07/improving-prevention-targeting-efforts/

Weatherization works

O.C.E.A.N. Inc, 22 Hyres St., Toms River has a history of provided Weatherization Services to eligible clients.

It provides income-eligible clients a way to lower future utility bills by utilizing FREE Weatherization Services.  Weatherization techs will perform and complete all weatherization services determined by an initial audit to make the home more energy efficient at no cost to the resident of landlord.

The Weatherization Conservation Program provides services for those who are unable to afford the added expense of repairing or replacing items in their home if that item could help them reduce or eliminate high energy bills.

They address the following specific problems:
escalating prices of energy
infiltration of cold air
heat loss due to condition of the dwelling unit
energy-related health and safety issues.

If you have questions or to check income eligibility requirements stop by OCEAN Inc. Weatherization office at 22 Hyres St. in Toms River or telephone (732) 244-8176 for an application.

Norther Ocean Habitat for Humanity to build a home

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity is soon to build an affordable home.

NOHFH will host 3 orientation meetings to find out what it takes to become a Habitat homeowner:
Sunday May 1st @ 2 p.m. in the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, Mancini Hall
Thursday May 5th @ 6 p.m. in the Plumsted Township Municipal Building
Wednesday May 11th 2 7 p.m. in the Lakewood branch of the Ocean County Library

Applications will be available at the end of the informational meeting.
You MUST attend a meeting to receive an application.
Babysitting will be provided.

NOHFH will look at three distinct areas of selection criteria when reviewing potential partners.  Families are selected on need, ability to pay and willingness to partner.  There are certain income eligibility to qualify.

For more information or directions to the meeting places, visit them at http://www.northernocaenhabitat.com/

National Housing Conference Report

Researchers have long understood that residential stability plays an important role in healthy child development. Less well understood, however is the role of housing affordability in promoting or undermining this stability—an issue of particular relevance given the sharp rise in foreclosures in recent years. Research commissioned and analyzed in a new report by the Center for Housing Policy, the research affiliate of the National Housing Conference, sheds light on this important issue affecting child development. The report, http://www.nhc.org/media/files/HsgInstablityandMobility.pdf , finds that low-income families move much more frequently than the general population. While reasons for moving vary, the data and interviews of low-income families show that moves resulting from unplanned or involuntary circumstances, such as an eviction or foreclosure, and moves that occur one after another as part of a pattern of frequent mobility tend to have negative impacts on child and family welfare, such as increased school absenteeism and a higher incidence of neighborhood problems. “The findings were especially troubling for children of what we call ‘hyper-mobile’ families, who move far more often than average. These kids lagged behind their peers with greater residential stability in their educational development,” explains Jeffrey Lubell, executive director of the Center. “Affordable housing may help low-income families with children avoid unplanned moves,” Lubell noted. While the Center’s research report does not focus explicitly on the foreclosure crisis, its conclusions have important implications for the nation’s response to this challenge. Evidence presented in the report underlines the need for actions that help to promote residential stability, such as the adoption of policies that enable families to avoid foreclosure or eviction or that allow families experiencing foreclosure to stay in their homes until they are able to move in an orderly way. The report also underscores the importance of educating families about their residential choices to reduce the chances that moving will contribute to negative outcomes for their children. Finally, the report suggests that affordable housing has an important role to play in fostering residential stability, helping families gain control over if and when to move—factors of critical importance to children.

Pt. Pleasant Boro library branch to offer job search techniques training.

Ocean County Library's Point Pleasant Borough branch, 834 Beaver Dam Road, will sponsor a two-part job searching techniques  program, Get That Job!, on Thursdays, April 21 and 28 at 7 p.m.

The series is part of Rutgers University's Speakers Bureau. Mindy O’Mealia with the Rutgers Career Services department will present the  program.

In part one  O’Mealia will discuss how to create or revise a resume and present tips for posting and marketing your resume online. In part two, you will learn the ways to master the job interview, salary negotiation techniques, and information on job market trends.

For more information or to register for the sessions please contact the operator at (732) 295-1555 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org .

OC Planning Board to hold second public hearing Apr. 11

The Ocean County Planning Board will hold its second and final public hearing on its FY 2011 Action Plan Monday April 11 at 4 p.m. in the cafeteria on the second floor of 129 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.
The board will review all comments and respond to each commentator in a timely manner.
Based on the information collected the plan will be revised and presented to the Board of Chosen Freeholders at it's pre-board meeting April 27 in the county admin building.  The final public hearing will be held at the Freeholder's meeting May 4.
The deadline for submitting the action plan to the US Dept. of HUD is May 15.  Allocations are pending official notification from HUD.
Copies of the preliminary report are available at the OC Planning Board, 129 Hooper Ave and all branches of the OC Library.

The Action Plan section provides alisting of the specific project activities proposed to be undertaken by the Consortium with anticipated resources from the HOME an dCDBG programs.

HOME Program (major activities)
Anticipated Funding: $1,398,758

• Tenant-based rental assistance program
• First time home buyer assistance program
• Housing rehabilitation program (owner-occupied)
• New construction/rahabilitation of affordable rental units with CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization)
• Program administration

CDBG Program (major activities)
Anticipated funding: $1,173,342

• Housing rehabilitation (owner-occupied)
• Removal of architectural Barriers (ADA compliant)
• Improvements to public facilities
• Public services
• Program administration

A section of the Action Plan also provides a listing of the projects proposed to be carried out by the Brick Township, Lakewood Township, Toms River Township and the Jackson Township CDBG programs.

• Brick anticipates the receipt of $337,254 in FY 2011 CDBG funding
• Lakewood anticipates the receipt of $748,263 in FY 2011 CDBG funding
• Toms River anticipates the receipt of $449,541 in FY 2011 CDBG funding
• Jackson anticipates the receipt of $189,383 in FY 2011 CDGB funding*

* figures provided by the OC Planning Board.

Community Planning & Development to host "All Grantee" meeting

Community Planning and Development will be holding an “All Grantee” meeting in late Spring/early Summer to provide an opportunity to meet with your colleagues and be updated on changes at HUD.   Both formula and competitive grantees will be asked to participate.  The theme is “Working with HUD- Working with Each Other”  To make the daylong session worthwhile, I am hoping you will take a few minutes to fill out the survey and return it back to me by April 15th so some of the breakout sessions can be structured to meet your interests and needs.  Any additional comments or questions are appreciated.  

 

Annemarie C. Uebbing, Director

Community Planning and Development Division

US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Newark Field Office- Region II

One Newark Center, 13th Floor

Newark, NJ 07102

973-776-7288

Annemarie.C.Uebbing@hud.gov

Ocean County Hunger Relief CLEARANCE SALE

Clearance Sale - Ongoing

Ocean County Hunger Relief

917-5 North Main St. Toms River

In Corinne Jewelers Plaza

Ocean County Hunger Relief offers excellent clothing for $1 and up for men, women, and children (including jeans - most $1)  We understand how challenging it is to make ends meet and we want people to be able to have dignity and look and feel good. Shoes from $1 -$5. Baby items and toys also available. Everything is at clearance prices.

Open - Monday - Friday 9 to 4 ( 1st Saturday of the month 10-2 )

We are here to help . 732-505-HELP

Webcast to explore disability/homelessness/criminal system

On Tuesday, April 12th from 1 – 2:30 pm ET SAMHSA will hold webcast that will explore the interplay between disability, homelessness, and the criminal system, focusing on collaborations to divert individuals into services, as well as on strategies to address the employment and other barriers which result from “having a record.”  

 To read more and to register for this Webcast .

 Please share with colleagues, friends and associates.

Monarch Housing posts Middlesex Cty. videos

The Middlesex County Human Services Advisory Council coordinated a press conference on March 30th to oppose the federal budget cuts and to urge Congress to adopt adequate funding levels for critical services. We are pleased to provide twelve (12) videos from the event.

To view the videos use this link:

 http://monarchhousing.org/2011/04/03/middlesex-press-conference-videos/

Please share with colleagues, co-workers and friends.