The National Alliance to End Homelessness has made workshop materials from last week’s conference available on its website. Click here to access the workshop materials. If you weren’t able to join the 1,400 participants from across the country who attended the conference in Washington, D.C. You can look through the conference materials to learn about emerging ideas and methods to end homelessness in the country.
To read more and to access the materials use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/20/naeh-conference-materials-are-online/
Friday, July 29, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Affording Health: Free or low-cost health programs explained at Waretown library branch
“The greatest wealth is health,” said the classical Roman philosopher Virgil, but what if one can’t afford it?
Health care can be prohibitively costly for many, especially during these economically difficult times. Whether you have lost your health insurance due to a job loss or your medical costs have grown beyond your financial means, there just might be a solution for you.
New rights and benefits have recently become available. And many more free or low cost programs are in the making to help alleviate the strain often associated with medical costs. Discover how you and your family can take advantage of these new developments.
A representative from The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance will present a free program at the Waretown branch, 112 Main St., Monday Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. covering your concerns.
Seating is limited, so please register by calling the branch (609) 693-5133 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org .
Thursday, July 21, 2011
125 to supply housing & case management to 125 homeless veterans
Camden PHA and DCA approved for vouchers
On June 14, 2011, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced that HUD will provide $973,563 to New Jersey public housing agencies to supply permanent housing and case management for one hundred-twenty-five (125) homeless veterans. The Housing Authority of the City of Camden received twenty-five and the balance were awarded to the Department of Community Affairs.
The vouchers will be targeted through VA Medical Centers (VAMC) and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The vouchers awarded to Camden will be in partnership with the Philadelphia VAMC. The vouchers awarded to DCA will be in partnership with the Lyons VAMC. CBOC's in Trenton, Paterson and New Brunswick.
To read more including all of the details on this announcement use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/17/nj-awarded-125-new-vash-vouchers/
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
On June 14, 2011, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced that HUD will provide $973,563 to New Jersey public housing agencies to supply permanent housing and case management for one hundred-twenty-five (125) homeless veterans. The Housing Authority of the City of Camden received twenty-five and the balance were awarded to the Department of Community Affairs.
The vouchers will be targeted through VA Medical Centers (VAMC) and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The vouchers awarded to Camden will be in partnership with the Philadelphia VAMC. The vouchers awarded to DCA will be in partnership with the Lyons VAMC. CBOC's in Trenton, Paterson and New Brunswick.
To read more including all of the details on this announcement use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/17/nj-awarded-125-new-vash-vouchers/
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
NAEH conference reports
Richard W. Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Monarch Housing Associates has been reporting on the NAEH’s Ending Homelessness Conference. Here are some condensed reports he has issued this week:
1. During NAEH’s Ending Homelessness Conference, Steve Berg of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Jennifer Ho of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, and Charlene LeFauve of SAMSHA gave an update on Opening Doors: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. After one year, key accomplishments of Opening Doors include but are not limited to unprecedented collaboration – there has been an incredible improvement in the HUD-VASH program, new initiatives from HUD and HHS, and the Families with Children Signature Initiative with HUD, HHS and the Dept. of Education.
To read more about all of the accomplishments use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/17/policy-experts-give-update-on-federal-plan/
One of the workshops at the 2011 NAEH Conference on Ending Homelessness focused on ending youth homelessness.
2. Panelists from Virginia, Georgia and Oklahoma shared their best practices in ending homelessness for children and youth. Panelists included the Kids Home Collaborative, Bridges and The Alternative House. All of these programs have been very successful in collaborating with schools to serve children and youth.
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/15/collaborating-with-schools-to-serve-children-and-youth/
3. We have published two updates from workshops at the 2011 NAEH Conference on Ending Homelessness.
One was a workshop in which HUD Washington staff provided an update on their efforts to meet the new standards outlined in the HEARTH Act. The other was focused on how project selection criteria.
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/14/looking-ahead-to-hearth/
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/14/live-from-the-national-conference-on-ending-homelessness-2011/
4. Lunchtime Updates from the NAEH Conference
During last week’s NAEH Conference, Dennis Culhane of the University of Pennsylvania presented data from his work with the National Center on Homeless Veterans. It is estimated that there are 149,635 veterans across America. Common Ground also gave an update on its 100,000 Homes Campaign.
To read the full post on this session use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/18/homelessness-among-veterans-and-the-100000-homes-campaign/
5. Homeward program focuses on work for the homeless
During the NAEH Conference, presenters shared best practices from Richmond, Virginia and San Francisco, CA that are working to get individuals experiencing homelessness employed. This post focuses on the Homeward program in Richmond recognized that a criminal record and employment are two of the biggest barriers to housing. Employment is critical because it both enhances social interaction and gives an individual the ability to pay rent.
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/18/partnering-with-employers-to-increase-employment/
To read all of our posts from the NAEH Conference use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/category/naeh-2012-conference/
1. During NAEH’s Ending Homelessness Conference, Steve Berg of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Jennifer Ho of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, and Charlene LeFauve of SAMSHA gave an update on Opening Doors: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. After one year, key accomplishments of Opening Doors include but are not limited to unprecedented collaboration – there has been an incredible improvement in the HUD-VASH program, new initiatives from HUD and HHS, and the Families with Children Signature Initiative with HUD, HHS and the Dept. of Education.
To read more about all of the accomplishments use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/17/policy-experts-give-update-on-federal-plan/
One of the workshops at the 2011 NAEH Conference on Ending Homelessness focused on ending youth homelessness.
2. Panelists from Virginia, Georgia and Oklahoma shared their best practices in ending homelessness for children and youth. Panelists included the Kids Home Collaborative, Bridges and The Alternative House. All of these programs have been very successful in collaborating with schools to serve children and youth.
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/15/collaborating-with-schools-to-serve-children-and-youth/
3. We have published two updates from workshops at the 2011 NAEH Conference on Ending Homelessness.
One was a workshop in which HUD Washington staff provided an update on their efforts to meet the new standards outlined in the HEARTH Act. The other was focused on how project selection criteria.
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/14/looking-ahead-to-hearth/
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/14/live-from-the-national-conference-on-ending-homelessness-2011/
4. Lunchtime Updates from the NAEH Conference
During last week’s NAEH Conference, Dennis Culhane of the University of Pennsylvania presented data from his work with the National Center on Homeless Veterans. It is estimated that there are 149,635 veterans across America. Common Ground also gave an update on its 100,000 Homes Campaign.
To read the full post on this session use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/18/homelessness-among-veterans-and-the-100000-homes-campaign/
5. Homeward program focuses on work for the homeless
During the NAEH Conference, presenters shared best practices from Richmond, Virginia and San Francisco, CA that are working to get individuals experiencing homelessness employed. This post focuses on the Homeward program in Richmond recognized that a criminal record and employment are two of the biggest barriers to housing. Employment is critical because it both enhances social interaction and gives an individual the ability to pay rent.
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/18/partnering-with-employers-to-increase-employment/
To read all of our posts from the NAEH Conference use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/category/naeh-2012-conference/
Jeff Wild: Tent City case moved to Judge Foster's court; other progress noted
I know the last update was very sad, but there is also some good news relating to Tent City. Working with Minister Steve's counsel, Todd Wilson, we were able to reach an agreement with Lakewood that should allow the residents of Tent City to remain while we continue to try and solve the underlying problem (the lack of available shelter in Ocean County). As part of this agreement, any wooden structures built since the consent order was signed will be removed and some Tent City residents will be relocated to new tents (for which I understand funding has already been donated). Obviously, this is not a long-term solution, but the residents of Tent City are relieved that, at least for now, they are not at risk of being ejected with no other place to go.
In terms of the ongoing litigation with the County, we learned that Judge Grasso has re-assigned the case to a new judge, the Hon. Joseph L. Foster. Judge Grasso's letter so advising (copy attached) did not give a reason for the re-assignment, but this can happen during a case for a variety of reasons. In any event, our new judge, Judge Foster, is known for being fair and compassionate, such as in the landlord-tenant context when individuals are facing possible eviction. We have sent Judge Foster a letter (copy also attached) requesting a conference to discuss discovery information to be provided by the County and, after we receive that discovery, the date for the filing of an amended and amplified Third-Party Complaint (as Judge Grasso previously authorized). We look forward to working with Judge Foster as the litigation continues, and will let you know when Judge Foster sets the first court date before him regarding this matter.
Jeffrey J. Wild
Member of the Firm
Lowenstein Sandler PC
65 Livingston Avenue
Roseland, New Jersey 07068
Tele: 973-597-2554
Fax: 973-597-2555
-and-
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Tele: 212-262-6700
Fax: 973-5970-2555
jwild@lowenstein.com
In terms of the ongoing litigation with the County, we learned that Judge Grasso has re-assigned the case to a new judge, the Hon. Joseph L. Foster. Judge Grasso's letter so advising (copy attached) did not give a reason for the re-assignment, but this can happen during a case for a variety of reasons. In any event, our new judge, Judge Foster, is known for being fair and compassionate, such as in the landlord-tenant context when individuals are facing possible eviction. We have sent Judge Foster a letter (copy also attached) requesting a conference to discuss discovery information to be provided by the County and, after we receive that discovery, the date for the filing of an amended and amplified Third-Party Complaint (as Judge Grasso previously authorized). We look forward to working with Judge Foster as the litigation continues, and will let you know when Judge Foster sets the first court date before him regarding this matter.
Jeffrey J. Wild
Member of the Firm
Lowenstein Sandler PC
65 Livingston Avenue
Roseland, New Jersey 07068
Tele: 973-597-2554
Fax: 973-597-2555
-and-
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Tele: 212-262-6700
Fax: 973-5970-2555
jwild@lowenstein.com
Monday, July 18, 2011
KEY FINDINGS OF 2011 POINT IN TIME COUNT OF THE HOMELESS IN NEW JERSEY
On Wednesday, January 26, 2011, twenty-one Continuum of Care (CoC) jurisdictions in New Jersey – representing the twenty-one counties – conducted the 2011 Point in Time Count (PITC) of the homeless across the state. The goal of the Point in Time Count was to identify the number of homeless people at a given point in time and to collect demographic and other information about those who are homeless to be used to develop effective plans to address and end homelessness. A total of 12,051 surveys were completed across the State of New Jersey as part of the 2011 Point in Time Count. Below is a list of some of the key findings of the report.
Key Findings of the 2011 Point in Time Count in NJ
- There were 12,825 homeless men, women and children counted across the state of New Jersey as part of the 2011 PITC.
- The estimated number of men, women and children that are homeless over the course of the year within the State of New Jersey is 28,830.
- There were 8,493 adults counted as homeless on the night of January 26, 2011.
- Of those 8,493 adults, 1,022 (12.1%) were unsheltered and 7,471 (87.9%) were sheltered homeless. The largest percentage of the homeless were living in Emergency Shelters on the night of the count (39.2%)
- A total of 4,332 children under the age of 18 were homeless on the night of January 26, 2011.
- The County of Essex had the highest number of homeless in NJ with 11.8% of the total homeless population on the night of the count.
- The most prevalent homeless subpopulation in the 2011 count was people who are homeless with mental health issues.
- A total of 2,291 families reported being homeless on the night of January 26, 2011.
- total of 751 adults met the HUD definition of chronically homeless when counted on January 26, 2011.
- In 2011, the number of unsheltered chronically homeless totaled 139 or 18.5% of the chronically homeless individual population.
Mercer County Sees a Drop in the Number of People Experiencing Chronic Homelessness
The Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness released a report recently that the number of chronically homeless people in Mercer County declined in 2010, although there were few gains in the general economy and unemployment remained high. County officials and homeless advocates say the drop in the number of homeless residents can be attributed to an infusion of federal dollars used to fund preventive programs that helped those on the brink. One such program, Mercer Housing First, is in its fourth year and permanently houses up to one-third of the county’s chronically homeless. Herb Levine, executive director of the Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness, stated that the decline in homelessness in Mercer County “…shows we’re putting strategies to work that are working to prevent and end homelessness”.
To read the full article:
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Jesus "Zeus" Santo slips through the cracks
I am deeply saddened to report that Jesus "Zeus" Santos, a resident of the Lakewood tent city, died in the woods today, leaving a fiancée and three young children. Zeus' death was a tragedy. Through our Coalition, Zeus had asked the Government for the help he needed -- but he had been turned down as "ineligible" for shelter and the other help he needed.
Back in April, Zeus was living in the tent city with his fiancée, Diane, who was seven-months pregnant. A member of our Coalition, Karen Darling, volunteered and took Zeus and Diane to Social Services. Diane was deemed "eligible" and she and the children were given help, thanks to Karen. But Zeus was turned down for help because he had a drug conviction on his record: one of the many holes in the supposed safety net for the homeless and most desperate. As recently as this month, Zeus was doing the best he could in the woods, including a temporary job that he had gotten through another tent city resident. But Zeus could not beat his drug problem living alone in the woods. As the research on the principle of Housing First shows, it is almost impossible for anyone to get their life back on track without an address. Zeus -- who was in his early 30s and should have been eligible for emergency shelter and a rehab program -- overdosed and died early this morning, after unsuccessful CPR efforts. As our Coalition member, Karen, so accurately put it: " Zeus fell through the cracks, and now he's dead."
Tonight, Diane and the children (a one-month-old baby, a four-year-old girl and an eight-year-old boy) are not in the woods, but Zeus should never have died there, alone and homeless. Tragedies like this are the reason we need our Coalition. In Zeus' memory, the Coalition will redouble its efforts for social justice. Let's keep doing everything we can to make sure that a day comes when no one has to live or die homeless.
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
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Senator Lautenberg Supports McKinney and VASH
Join us in asking Senator Menendez for his support
Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Charles Schumer (D-NY) are circulating a sign-on letter to their colleagues in the Senate. The letter asks the Senate HUD Appropriations Subcommittee leaders to “robustly support” funding for HUD’s McKinney-Vento programs as they draft their FY 2012 funding bill. The bill also requests robust funding for the HUD – VA Supportive Housing (VASH) program.
To read more and to find out how to contact Senator Menendez for his support use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/12/senate-mckinney-sign-on-letter-help-needed/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Charles Schumer (D-NY) are circulating a sign-on letter to their colleagues in the Senate. The letter asks the Senate HUD Appropriations Subcommittee leaders to “robustly support” funding for HUD’s McKinney-Vento programs as they draft their FY 2012 funding bill. The bill also requests robust funding for the HUD – VA Supportive Housing (VASH) program.
To read more and to find out how to contact Senator Menendez for his support use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/12/senate-mckinney-sign-on-letter-help-needed/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Homelessness webinar Tuesday July 19 @ 2 p.m.
Subject: Webinar Tuesday 7/19 2pm EDT: "Simply Unacceptable": Homelessness & the Human Right to Housing in the U.S.
When: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 2-3pm EDT, 1-2pm CDT, 12-1pm MDT, 11am-12pm PDT
What: In June, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty released a report card grading the United States on its response to homelessness and its compliance with the human right to housing. "'Simply Unacceptable': Homelessness and the Human Right to Housing in the U.S." <http://www.nlchp.org/content/pubs/SimplyUnacceptableReport.pdf> issues failing grades in more than one category. This webinar will discuss the report, its findings, and its recommendations. According to international standards, the human right to housing consists of seven elements: security of tenure; availability of services, materials, and infrastructure; affordability; accessibility; habitability; location; and cultural adequacy. This report gives the U.S. letter grades on each of them. It also offers common sense solutions the U.S. can adopt to better meet the housing needs of homeless and poor people.
Who: The webinar will be facilitated by the report’s primary author, Eric Tars, human rights program director at the Law Center, and will feature commentary and analysis from Gregory Countess, assistant director of advocacy for housing & community economic development at the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau, which has an innovative program to integrate human rights framing into its advocacy work.
How: click here <https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/570221155> to register!
Thanks,
Eric
What: In June, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty released a report card grading the United States on its response to homelessness and its compliance with the human right to housing. "'Simply Unacceptable': Homelessness and the Human Right to Housing in the U.S." <http://www.nlchp.org/content/pubs/SimplyUnacceptableReport.pdf> issues failing grades in more than one category. This webinar will discuss the report, its findings, and its recommendations. According to international standards, the human right to housing consists of seven elements: security of tenure; availability of services, materials, and infrastructure; affordability; accessibility; habitability; location; and cultural adequacy. This report gives the U.S. letter grades on each of them. It also offers common sense solutions the U.S. can adopt to better meet the housing needs of homeless and poor people.
Who: The webinar will be facilitated by the report’s primary author, Eric Tars, human rights program director at the Law Center, and will feature commentary and analysis from Gregory Countess, assistant director of advocacy for housing & community economic development at the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau, which has an innovative program to integrate human rights framing into its advocacy work.
How: click here <https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/570221155> to register!
Thanks,
Eric
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
TD Bank 'Housing for Everyone' Grant Competition
TD Charitable Foundation 2011 Housing for Everyone Grant Competition Overview
The TD Charitable Foundation's 2011 Housing for Everyone grant competition focuses on "Building for the Future".
Applications must focus on any one of three areas and should highlight the ways in which funding will provide the opportunity in the future to expand the availability of and/or access to safe affordable housing. The areas of focus are:
· Energy Efficiency; which may include weatherization initiatives, HVAC improvements, or implementation of alternative or renewable energy sources;
· Capacity Building; which may include the expansion of programmatic efforts or staff development for the organization that provides affordable housing services for low- to moderate- income individuals or in low- to moderate- income communities; additionally, infrastructure investment on the part of the non profit to expand and improve its service efforts will be considered;
· New Unit Creation where organizations focus their efforts on the creation of new affordable housing units that benefit low- to moderate- income individuals or communities. To be eligible for a grant in this year's competition, the applicant must be primarily engaged in the development and or management of affordable housing.
A total of 25 grants representing $2.5 million will be awarded to applications that meet the eligibility criteria. Twenty-five grants of $100,000 will be awarded to the best applications received companywide. Funds will be allocated by TD Bank, N.A. metro market area. See the grant breakout by TD Bank, N.A. metro market area.
Applications (complete with all required attachments) will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 2, 2011.
Notification of awards will be made by late October 2011.
Find out how to apply for the 2011 Housing for Everyone Grant Competition.
Contact Us
Please direct any questions regarding this competition to CharitableGiving@TDBanknorth.com. Include "Housing for Everyone" in the subject line.
Eligibility Criteria
The TD Charitable Foundation makes available annually through its themed Housing for Everyone grant competition dedicated funds to support affordable housing. For 2011, the Housing for Everyone grant competition focuses on "Building for the Future".
Applications must focus on any one of three areas and should highlight the ways in which funding will provide the opportunity in the future to expand the availability of and/or access to safe affordable housing. The areas of focus are:
Energy Efficiency; which may include weatherization initiatives, HVAC improvements, or implementation of alternative or renewable energy sources;
Capacity Building; which may include the expansion of programmatic efforts or staff development for the organization that provides affordable housing services for low- to moderate- income individuals or in low- to moderate- income communities; additionally, infrastructure investment on the part of the non profit to expand and improve its service efforts will be considered;
New Unit Creation where organizations focus their efforts on the creation of new affordable housing units that benefit low- to moderate- income individuals or communities. To be eligible for a grant in this year's competition, the applicant must be primarily engaged in the development and or management of affordable housing.
The Foundation is interested in receiving applications from organizations that meet the following criteria:
Applicant organization must be tax-exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3) or must be a state/local government entity. Private foundations are not eligible to apply.
Housing units or properties to be improved must be located in a TD Bank, N.A. metro market area.
Applicant organization must have a history of developing, maintaining and/or providing affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families or individuals (income may not exceed 80% of the area median income).
Applicant organization must be able to show the impact they have made to affordable housing efforts in their community.
Applicant organization must show fiscal responsibility and ongoing viability.
All housing units or properties to be improved must be for and occupied by low- and moderate- income families or individuals (income may not exceed 80% of the area median income). Improvements to market rate units will not be considered.
Applicant organization seeking funds for the creation of new units must break ground for those units sometime during the period from the receipt of the funds (October 2011) through December 2012.
Applicant organization must be current on all outstanding debt obligations, utility payments and taxes. There can be no unsatisfied judgments/liens on the property for which the applicant is liable.
Applicant organization must be able to quantify the impact of their proposed affordable housing project.
Applicant organization must not have any pending legal actions against it.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 2, 2011. In fairness to all applicants, late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Eligible organizations must apply using the online TD Charitable Foundation Grant Competition Application. Paper applications will not be accepted.
The online grant application process begins with the submission of the organization's Tax Identification Number (TIN) followed by the completion of an eligibility quiz. If your organization and project are eligible to apply for a competition grant, you will be able to access the TD Charitable Foundation Grant Competition Application.
Technical assistance during the online application process is available via the "Contact Us" link found at the top of each application page.
The grant competition application consists of the following seven sections:
Acceptance of Grant Conditions, should your organization be chosen for funding
General Organization Information
(e.g., name, address, phone number, website address, etc.)
Contact Information
(e.g., top executive information and request contact information if different)
Additional Organization Information
(e.g., year founded, mission, organization type, staff and volunteer information, etc.)
Organization Financial Information
Request Information
(e.g., project title, project summary, project budget, etc.)
Required documents
In order for your funding request to be considered, seven (7) required documents (listed below) must be attached to the online grant application. All documents must be in either PDF format or Word format. Excel files will not be accepted.
A detailed project proposal (four pages maximum; 10 point font minimum)
The following items, in this order, should be included in the detailed project proposal:
A physical description of the housing units or properties to be improved including but not limited to age, location, breakdown according to the number of bedrooms, square footage of the units and population served
A description of how the proposed additions to programming or staff development efforts will directly benefit the low- to moderate- income housing services your organization provides to the community.
A description of how a capacity building grant will positively impact your organization's ability to provide services in the future.
A description of how the efforts to implement an energy efficient initiative as outlined in your proposal creates cost savings for your organization. A description of how these savings will be utilized to provide incremental affordable housing services or programs or other benefits to the community should be included.
Applicants seeking funds to create new units should include a 24-month timeline from the time of the award to the creation of those units that must include a date to break ground some time between October 2011 and December 2012. The location and ownership of the new units should be included in the application.
A description of your organization's capacity to manage the project and the resources required to accomplish the project's goals, including key roles and responsibilities
A list of other funding sources your organization has secured that will support your project (include any reserves and in-kind donations)
A description of measurement tools your organization will use to determine the success of your project (include any anticipated savings per unit)
Pictures of the properties: one of the front of the primary building and at least one related to the anticipated improvements
A detailed project budget (sources and uses); Must include line items for categories such as reserves and in-kind donations
A letter from an executive of your organization certifying that there are no pending legal actions, attachments or unsatisfied judgments/liens against your organization and/or any subject property; Must be on letterhead of your organization and manually signed by the person certifying
A list of your organization's board members, board position, employer and job title
Your organization's current operating budget; Must be for fiscal year 2011; Must include income and expenses
Last available audited financial statement including notes/comments; not to pre-date January 1, 2009
A copy of the 501(c)(3) federal tax exemption letter of determination and, if applicable, evidence of your organization's authority to operate under the 501(c)(3) of another organization; or, if applicable, a letter on official letterhead providing the nine-digit tax identification number of the applying government entity and signed by the senior officer
Review Process
All complete applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges representing TD Bank, N.A. metro markets areas. Applicants will be notified of the Foundation's decisions by late October 2011.
Read our frequently asked questions about the 2011 Housing for Everyone Grant Competition.
Contact Us
Please direct any questions regarding this competition to CharitableGiving@TDBanknorth.com. Include "Housing for Everyone" in the subject line.
The TD Charitable Foundation's 2011 Housing for Everyone grant competition focuses on "Building for the Future".
Applications must focus on any one of three areas and should highlight the ways in which funding will provide the opportunity in the future to expand the availability of and/or access to safe affordable housing. The areas of focus are:
· Energy Efficiency; which may include weatherization initiatives, HVAC improvements, or implementation of alternative or renewable energy sources;
· Capacity Building; which may include the expansion of programmatic efforts or staff development for the organization that provides affordable housing services for low- to moderate- income individuals or in low- to moderate- income communities; additionally, infrastructure investment on the part of the non profit to expand and improve its service efforts will be considered;
· New Unit Creation where organizations focus their efforts on the creation of new affordable housing units that benefit low- to moderate- income individuals or communities. To be eligible for a grant in this year's competition, the applicant must be primarily engaged in the development and or management of affordable housing.
A total of 25 grants representing $2.5 million will be awarded to applications that meet the eligibility criteria. Twenty-five grants of $100,000 will be awarded to the best applications received companywide. Funds will be allocated by TD Bank, N.A. metro market area. See the grant breakout by TD Bank, N.A. metro market area.
Applications (complete with all required attachments) will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 2, 2011.
Notification of awards will be made by late October 2011.
Find out how to apply for the 2011 Housing for Everyone Grant Competition.
Contact Us
Please direct any questions regarding this competition to CharitableGiving@TDBanknorth.com. Include "Housing for Everyone" in the subject line.
Eligibility Criteria
The TD Charitable Foundation makes available annually through its themed Housing for Everyone grant competition dedicated funds to support affordable housing. For 2011, the Housing for Everyone grant competition focuses on "Building for the Future".
Applications must focus on any one of three areas and should highlight the ways in which funding will provide the opportunity in the future to expand the availability of and/or access to safe affordable housing. The areas of focus are:
Energy Efficiency; which may include weatherization initiatives, HVAC improvements, or implementation of alternative or renewable energy sources;
Capacity Building; which may include the expansion of programmatic efforts or staff development for the organization that provides affordable housing services for low- to moderate- income individuals or in low- to moderate- income communities; additionally, infrastructure investment on the part of the non profit to expand and improve its service efforts will be considered;
New Unit Creation where organizations focus their efforts on the creation of new affordable housing units that benefit low- to moderate- income individuals or communities. To be eligible for a grant in this year's competition, the applicant must be primarily engaged in the development and or management of affordable housing.
The Foundation is interested in receiving applications from organizations that meet the following criteria:
Applicant organization must be tax-exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3) or must be a state/local government entity. Private foundations are not eligible to apply.
Housing units or properties to be improved must be located in a TD Bank, N.A. metro market area.
Applicant organization must have a history of developing, maintaining and/or providing affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families or individuals (income may not exceed 80% of the area median income).
Applicant organization must be able to show the impact they have made to affordable housing efforts in their community.
Applicant organization must show fiscal responsibility and ongoing viability.
All housing units or properties to be improved must be for and occupied by low- and moderate- income families or individuals (income may not exceed 80% of the area median income). Improvements to market rate units will not be considered.
Applicant organization seeking funds for the creation of new units must break ground for those units sometime during the period from the receipt of the funds (October 2011) through December 2012.
Applicant organization must be current on all outstanding debt obligations, utility payments and taxes. There can be no unsatisfied judgments/liens on the property for which the applicant is liable.
Applicant organization must be able to quantify the impact of their proposed affordable housing project.
Applicant organization must not have any pending legal actions against it.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 2, 2011. In fairness to all applicants, late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Eligible organizations must apply using the online TD Charitable Foundation Grant Competition Application. Paper applications will not be accepted.
The online grant application process begins with the submission of the organization's Tax Identification Number (TIN) followed by the completion of an eligibility quiz. If your organization and project are eligible to apply for a competition grant, you will be able to access the TD Charitable Foundation Grant Competition Application.
Technical assistance during the online application process is available via the "Contact Us" link found at the top of each application page.
The grant competition application consists of the following seven sections:
Acceptance of Grant Conditions, should your organization be chosen for funding
General Organization Information
(e.g., name, address, phone number, website address, etc.)
Contact Information
(e.g., top executive information and request contact information if different)
Additional Organization Information
(e.g., year founded, mission, organization type, staff and volunteer information, etc.)
Organization Financial Information
Request Information
(e.g., project title, project summary, project budget, etc.)
Required documents
In order for your funding request to be considered, seven (7) required documents (listed below) must be attached to the online grant application. All documents must be in either PDF format or Word format. Excel files will not be accepted.
A detailed project proposal (four pages maximum; 10 point font minimum)
The following items, in this order, should be included in the detailed project proposal:
A physical description of the housing units or properties to be improved including but not limited to age, location, breakdown according to the number of bedrooms, square footage of the units and population served
A description of how the proposed additions to programming or staff development efforts will directly benefit the low- to moderate- income housing services your organization provides to the community.
A description of how a capacity building grant will positively impact your organization's ability to provide services in the future.
A description of how the efforts to implement an energy efficient initiative as outlined in your proposal creates cost savings for your organization. A description of how these savings will be utilized to provide incremental affordable housing services or programs or other benefits to the community should be included.
Applicants seeking funds to create new units should include a 24-month timeline from the time of the award to the creation of those units that must include a date to break ground some time between October 2011 and December 2012. The location and ownership of the new units should be included in the application.
A description of your organization's capacity to manage the project and the resources required to accomplish the project's goals, including key roles and responsibilities
A list of other funding sources your organization has secured that will support your project (include any reserves and in-kind donations)
A description of measurement tools your organization will use to determine the success of your project (include any anticipated savings per unit)
Pictures of the properties: one of the front of the primary building and at least one related to the anticipated improvements
A detailed project budget (sources and uses); Must include line items for categories such as reserves and in-kind donations
A letter from an executive of your organization certifying that there are no pending legal actions, attachments or unsatisfied judgments/liens against your organization and/or any subject property; Must be on letterhead of your organization and manually signed by the person certifying
A list of your organization's board members, board position, employer and job title
Your organization's current operating budget; Must be for fiscal year 2011; Must include income and expenses
Last available audited financial statement including notes/comments; not to pre-date January 1, 2009
A copy of the 501(c)(3) federal tax exemption letter of determination and, if applicable, evidence of your organization's authority to operate under the 501(c)(3) of another organization; or, if applicable, a letter on official letterhead providing the nine-digit tax identification number of the applying government entity and signed by the senior officer
Review Process
All complete applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges representing TD Bank, N.A. metro markets areas. Applicants will be notified of the Foundation's decisions by late October 2011.
Read our frequently asked questions about the 2011 Housing for Everyone Grant Competition.
Contact Us
Please direct any questions regarding this competition to CharitableGiving@TDBanknorth.com. Include "Housing for Everyone" in the subject line.
FREE Grant Writing Workshop - New Session Added
OceanFirst Foundation has added a second afternoon session of the workshop “Grant Writing Without Tears” on Wednesday, August 3rd to accommodate those that were not able to register for the morning session which is filled to capacity. There are only 25 spots remaining for the afternoon session. Those interested in the pm session should contact us immediately to secure their reservation. A flyer with all of the details is attached.
Katherine Durante
Executive Director
OceanFirst Foundation
1415 Hooper Ave., Suite 304
732-341-4676 (phone)
732-473-9641 (fax)
To view the flyer go to this site https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=131200e5cab9b8a9&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D7b58190a42%26view%3Datt%26th%3D131200e5cab9b8a9%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbRCjfISlFM8kmv8nLecrPLf2vZZtg
Katherine Durante
Executive Director
OceanFirst Foundation
1415 Hooper Ave., Suite 304
732-341-4676 (phone)
732-473-9641 (fax)
To view the flyer go to this site https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=131200e5cab9b8a9&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D7b58190a42%26view%3Datt%26th%3D131200e5cab9b8a9%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbRCjfISlFM8kmv8nLecrPLf2vZZtg
Homeless veterans: Trying to find help and hope
This CBS 60 minutes story, which first aired in October 2010 and was updated in June of this year, highlights a three day “Stand Down” event in Sand Diego for veterans experiencing homelessness. The annual event draws over a thousand homeless veterans and was first held in 1988 and is now a national recognized and replicated program. Two Stand Downs are planned this year in Cherry Hill and Newark.
To read more and to watch the video use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/11/homeless-veterans-trying-to-find-help-and-hope/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
To read more and to watch the video use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/11/homeless-veterans-trying-to-find-help-and-hope/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Mercer Alliance Celebrates Decrease in Homelessness
Last week, the Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness released its annual report. One of the report’s impressive statistics is that through a combined community effort, they have reduced chronic homelessness by 26% since 2008. The decrease is attributed to their success in using the Housing First model. From 2008-2010, there was a 15% decrease in the county’s overall homeless population.
To read more including the full annual report use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/10/mercer-alliance-celebrates-decrease-in-homelessness/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
To read more including the full annual report use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/10/mercer-alliance-celebrates-decrease-in-homelessness/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Mercer Alliance Celebrates Decrease in Homelessness
Last week, the Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness released its annual report. One of the report’s impressive statistics is that through a combined community effort, they have reduced chronic homelessness by 26% since 2008. The decrease is attributed to their success in using the Housing First model. From 2008-2010, there was a 15% decrease in the county’s overall homeless population.
To read more including the full annual report use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/10/mercer-alliance-celebrates-decrease-in-homelessness/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
To read more including the full annual report use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/10/mercer-alliance-celebrates-decrease-in-homelessness/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Speaking from the heart makes a difference in NJ and the nation!
Formerly homeless individuals sharing their stories can effectively educate civic, business, education, religious and other groups in the community. By sharing their stories, they show the faces of homelessness and help their neighbors realize that those experiencing homeless are not so different. On July 4, 2011, NPR featured a story about the speakers bureau, made up of 350 people, that the National Coalition for the Homeless has organized.
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/12/formerly-homeless-share-stories-homelessness/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/12/formerly-homeless-share-stories-homelessness/
Please share this email.
To subscribe to email updates use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/how-to-subscribe/
Thanks.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Final public hearing on Toms River Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
The final public meeting for the Toms River Analysis of Impediments is scheduled for July 20, 2011 at 7 p.m.. Please forward attached notice to anybody who maybe interested in attending the meeting. A copy of the AI is available here: Toms River AI.xps. (Click "download anyway" when prompted to do so.)
NOTICE
The Township of Toms River invites you to attend a public hearing regarding the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the L. Manuel Hirshblond Meeting Room located on the second floor of the Municipal Complex located on 33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ.
Accommodations for non-English speaking residents and those with special needs will be provided with 5 days notice prior to the meeting. Please contact (732) 341-1000 Ext. 8351 for accommodations.
AVISO
El municipio de Toms River le invita a asistir a una audiencia pública sobre el análisis de los impedimentos para la Vivienda Justa en Miércoles, 20 de julio 2011 a las 7:00 pm. La reunión se celebrará en la Sala Manuel L. Reunión Hirshblond ubicado en el segundo piso del Complejo Municipal ubicado en 33 Washington Street, Toms River, Nueva Jersey. Alojamiento para los residentes que no hablan Inglés, y aquellos con necesidades especiales contará con 5 dÃas de antelación antes de la reunión. Por favor, póngase en contacto con (732) 341-1000 ext. 8351 para el alojamiento.
NOTICE
The Township of Toms River invites you to attend a public hearing regarding the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the L. Manuel Hirshblond Meeting Room located on the second floor of the Municipal Complex located on 33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ.
Accommodations for non-English speaking residents and those with special needs will be provided with 5 days notice prior to the meeting. Please contact (732) 341-1000 Ext. 8351 for accommodations.
AVISO
El municipio de Toms River le invita a asistir a una audiencia pública sobre el análisis de los impedimentos para la Vivienda Justa en Miércoles, 20 de julio 2011 a las 7:00 pm. La reunión se celebrará en la Sala Manuel L. Reunión Hirshblond ubicado en el segundo piso del Complejo Municipal ubicado en 33 Washington Street, Toms River, Nueva Jersey. Alojamiento para los residentes que no hablan Inglés, y aquellos con necesidades especiales contará con 5 dÃas de antelación antes de la reunión. Por favor, póngase en contacto con (732) 341-1000 ext. 8351 para el alojamiento.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
H.E.L.P. meeting agenda: July 11, 2011
1. Introductions (name and group association)
2. Committee and group reports:
• Housing Solutions Committee (“Lodge”, other housing, outreach to senior communities)
• Advocacy Committee (outreach to groups, local govt. leaders; Advocacy Plan)
• Board of Social Services Monitoring (Committee? Form?)
3. Lakewood Tent City and related reports regarding homelessness:
• Update regarding litigation and H.E.L.P. involvement
• Residents needs and concerns: advocacy assistance, transportation (establish targeted “needs” lists?)
• Other strategies and next steps
4. Discussion: identify and prepare funding applications to COC: vouchers, “Lodge” land acquisition, permanent housing “pilot project”, other possibilities
• Increase attendance, participation at CoC and CEAS
• Review H.E.L.P. “Goals and Objectives” for possible proposals
• Initial Notice of Intent due 7/14/11
5. Review: proposed attendance at upcoming Freeholder meeting
• Date: discuss target date in fall
• Purpose and focus: Trust Fund (possible referendum?); other (review talking points)
• Speakers: identify (Kiwanis, clergy, etc.)
• Getting the word out: how and when
• Alternative: private meetings
6. Website and related communications issues
• Update re on-line calendar and proposed Newsletter
• Brochure distribution
• Op-eds, letters, other possible ways of getting the word out
7. General updates, issues and concerns:
• Review of federal and state developments relevant to homelessness: COAH/Mt. Laurel case before Supreme Ct., budget proposals, legislation, etc.
• Status of County Homelessness Focus Group report and draft plan
• Concern: need to find ways to regain input and guidance from homeless individuals and families, and, and facilitate their attendance at meetings.
• Other concerns
8. Establish next meeting date
2. Committee and group reports:
• Housing Solutions Committee (“Lodge”, other housing, outreach to senior communities)
• Advocacy Committee (outreach to groups, local govt. leaders; Advocacy Plan)
• Board of Social Services Monitoring (Committee? Form?)
3. Lakewood Tent City and related reports regarding homelessness:
• Update regarding litigation and H.E.L.P. involvement
• Residents needs and concerns: advocacy assistance, transportation (establish targeted “needs” lists?)
• Other strategies and next steps
4. Discussion: identify and prepare funding applications to COC: vouchers, “Lodge” land acquisition, permanent housing “pilot project”, other possibilities
• Increase attendance, participation at CoC and CEAS
• Review H.E.L.P. “Goals and Objectives” for possible proposals
• Initial Notice of Intent due 7/14/11
5. Review: proposed attendance at upcoming Freeholder meeting
• Date: discuss target date in fall
• Purpose and focus: Trust Fund (possible referendum?); other (review talking points)
• Speakers: identify (Kiwanis, clergy, etc.)
• Getting the word out: how and when
• Alternative: private meetings
6. Website and related communications issues
• Update re on-line calendar and proposed Newsletter
• Brochure distribution
• Op-eds, letters, other possible ways of getting the word out
7. General updates, issues and concerns:
• Review of federal and state developments relevant to homelessness: COAH/Mt. Laurel case before Supreme Ct., budget proposals, legislation, etc.
• Status of County Homelessness Focus Group report and draft plan
• Concern: need to find ways to regain input and guidance from homeless individuals and families, and, and facilitate their attendance at meetings.
• Other concerns
8. Establish next meeting date
Current budget environment to effect McKinney funding
There is little doubt that Congress will cut spending even more than they did in the final FY 2011 bill. Congressional and White House leaders are negotiating about the larger debt/deficit situation. Whatever deal they reach, which is expected by July 22nd, it will establish the overall amount of funding available to the appropriations committees for FY 2012.
Congressmen Sires, Pascrell and Holt have already agreed to support $2.4 billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento in the FY’12 Budget. We need to thank them for their support and encourage other members of the delegation to support this level of funding!
It is up to all of us to make sure that those cuts do not happen on the backs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness!
To read more and to find out how to take action use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/06/current-budget-environment-impact-on-mckinney-funding/
Please share this information.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Congressmen Sires, Pascrell and Holt have already agreed to support $2.4 billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento in the FY’12 Budget. We need to thank them for their support and encourage other members of the delegation to support this level of funding!
It is up to all of us to make sure that those cuts do not happen on the backs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness!
To read more and to find out how to take action use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/06/current-budget-environment-impact-on-mckinney-funding/
Please share this information.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Stronger together: Central Jersey Family Health Consortium
We are pleased to announce that the Central New Jersey Maternal and Child Health Consortium and The Regional Perinatal Consortium of Monmouth and Ocean Counties are now officially joined as one. The organizations' new name is the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC). Together, we will continue our work toward improving the health and well being of women, children and families in Central New Jersey through the collaborative efforts of member hospitals, health care providers, community organizations, governmental agencies, and consumers.
What does this mean for you?
• An ongoing commitment from CJFHC to provide culturally appropriate quality education and community based programs for healthcare providers and consumers throughout the region.
• A broader impact on women and families in Central New Jersey including Hunterdon, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset Counties.
• Greater support and resources available in the region.
The Central Jersey Family Health Consortium will maintain office locations in North Brunswick and Lakewood, with the same contact information for all staff until further notice. Additional information will follow in the coming months. To contact our offices, please see information below:
2 King Arthur Court, Suite B
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
P: (732) 937-5437 F: (732) 937-5540
Lakewood, NJ 08701
725 Airport Road, Suite 1C
P: (732) 363-5400 F: (732) 363-5554
Sincerely,
Margaret C. Fisher, MD
Chair, Board of Trustees
Robyn D'Oria, MA, RNC, APN
Executive Director
What does this mean for you?
• An ongoing commitment from CJFHC to provide culturally appropriate quality education and community based programs for healthcare providers and consumers throughout the region.
• A broader impact on women and families in Central New Jersey including Hunterdon, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset Counties.
• Greater support and resources available in the region.
The Central Jersey Family Health Consortium will maintain office locations in North Brunswick and Lakewood, with the same contact information for all staff until further notice. Additional information will follow in the coming months. To contact our offices, please see information below:
2 King Arthur Court, Suite B
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
P: (732) 937-5437 F: (732) 937-5540
Lakewood, NJ 08701
725 Airport Road, Suite 1C
P: (732) 363-5400 F: (732) 363-5554
Sincerely,
Margaret C. Fisher, MD
Chair, Board of Trustees
Robyn D'Oria, MA, RNC, APN
Executive Director
Veteran’s Early Transitions Services in Newark
It will be a much-needed safe haven for veterans living on the streets and in overcrowded shelters. A place where veterans will be assured of the basic essentials: Food, clothing, medical care and a safe place to sleep. Plus the support of counselors who can help them start putting their lives back together.
Community Hope today launched the Veterans Early Transition Services (VETS) Program in Newark, New Jersey. The housing program is located at the Newark YMCA's Broad Street facility where our staff will provide 24-hour support to 12 homeless veterans a day, hoping to reach about 170 veterans in the next five years.
VETS will focus on a crisis stabilization approach.
With military veterans being twice as likely to experience homelessness, staff expect to serve veterans who saw combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as well as older veterans who have been chronically homeless.
Community Hope is in the midst of a $100,000 fundraising campaign to support development of this program. A grant secured from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will help sustain the Program once it is fully established and occupied.
"Our goal is to help stabilize veterans in crisis; and within several months, help them transition to longer-term transitional or permanent housing, where they can rebuild their self-sufficiency, improve their health and successfully overcome chronic homelessness." explains Carmine Deo, Community Hope's Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services.
To make a referral to VETS, call Community Hope's Veterans Intake Coordinator at (908) 647-5717 extension 325.
Our Hope for Veterans Transitional Housing Program has helped 500 veterans rebuild their lives since opening in 2004.
It was awarded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Service to Homeless Veterans in December 2010.
Community Hope today launched the Veterans Early Transition Services (VETS) Program in Newark, New Jersey. The housing program is located at the Newark YMCA's Broad Street facility where our staff will provide 24-hour support to 12 homeless veterans a day, hoping to reach about 170 veterans in the next five years.
VETS will focus on a crisis stabilization approach.
With military veterans being twice as likely to experience homelessness, staff expect to serve veterans who saw combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as well as older veterans who have been chronically homeless.
Community Hope is in the midst of a $100,000 fundraising campaign to support development of this program. A grant secured from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will help sustain the Program once it is fully established and occupied.
"Our goal is to help stabilize veterans in crisis; and within several months, help them transition to longer-term transitional or permanent housing, where they can rebuild their self-sufficiency, improve their health and successfully overcome chronic homelessness." explains Carmine Deo, Community Hope's Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services.
To make a referral to VETS, call Community Hope's Veterans Intake Coordinator at (908) 647-5717 extension 325.
Our Hope for Veterans Transitional Housing Program has helped 500 veterans rebuild their lives since opening in 2004.
It was awarded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Service to Homeless Veterans in December 2010.
Friday, July 8, 2011
New Affordable For-Rent Housing Coming to Middleton
by Damika Webb
The Township of Middletown hereby announces that eighteen (18) affordable housing units which will be available for rent at “Harmony Glenn” development. The housing is available through Harmony Glen Affordable Housing Corporation and is eligible to low and moderate-income households. The housing development is located on Chance Drive in Middletown, Exit 109 off of the Garden State Parkway. The housing that is available through this construction phase range in price from $601 to $1,402 per month rent, plus utilities, and are two and three bedroom units.
Although any income eligible households may apply, residents and workers of Ocean, Monmouth and Mercer Counties will be selected before residents of other New Jersey counties or other states. All units will be subject to a public lottery to income-eligible applicants. In accordance with New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) . rules, only appropriately sized families will be placed in available units.
In order to qualify, the combined household income must be below $38,040 for a one person household, $43,440 for a two person household, $48,900 for a three person household and $54,300 for a four person household, $58,680 for a five person household and $63,000 for a six person household. A minimum income of 2 1/2 times the monthly rent is required and should not exceed 35% of the total households’ income for unit to be affordable.
Applicants will be required to show proof of residency and/or employment as well as all required household income documentation in order to qualify. All successful applicants will be required to maintain the unit as the family’s primary residence.
All applicants will be required to pass a credit report review, a criminal screening, a quality of life interview and abide by complex rules and regulations. For example, this complex does not allow for any pets. Interested persons are to call Rehabco Inc., the Township’s Affordable Housing Administrative Agent, at (732) 477-7750 in order to receive an authorized application.
A deadline date of July 15, 2011 is established for all applications to be filed with Rehabco, Inc. Applicants who have received notices of an incomplete applications will be granted ten (10) days in which to fully respond. It is anticipated that units will be ready for occupancy by July 22, 2011.
Although any income eligible households may apply, residents and workers of Ocean, Monmouth and Mercer Counties will be selected before residents of other New Jersey counties or other states. All units will be subject to a public lottery to income-eligible applicants. In accordance with New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) . rules, only appropriately sized families will be placed in available units.
In order to qualify, the combined household income must be below $38,040 for a one person household, $43,440 for a two person household, $48,900 for a three person household and $54,300 for a four person household, $58,680 for a five person household and $63,000 for a six person household. A minimum income of 2 1/2 times the monthly rent is required and should not exceed 35% of the total households’ income for unit to be affordable.
Applicants will be required to show proof of residency and/or employment as well as all required household income documentation in order to qualify. All successful applicants will be required to maintain the unit as the family’s primary residence.
All applicants will be required to pass a credit report review, a criminal screening, a quality of life interview and abide by complex rules and regulations. For example, this complex does not allow for any pets. Interested persons are to call Rehabco Inc., the Township’s Affordable Housing Administrative Agent, at (732) 477-7750 in order to receive an authorized application.
A deadline date of July 15, 2011 is established for all applications to be filed with Rehabco, Inc. Applicants who have received notices of an incomplete applications will be granted ten (10) days in which to fully respond. It is anticipated that units will be ready for occupancy by July 22, 2011.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Help wanted: McKinney-Vento advocates needed
Good Morning McKinney Campaign Advocates,
I hope you’re all doing well and had a great Independence Day holiday weekend! The House HUD appropriations subcommittee is scheduled to vote on its draft FY 2012 funding bill next Thursday, July 14. They will likely release the details on either July 13 or July 14. Because this bill will be the first proposal from Congress, we need YOUR help to make sure it is as good as possible!
Here’s what you can do:
a. Call your representative’s DC office. Ask to speak to the person who handles housing issues. (We can help you find out who this is.)
b. Use the attached talking points to request that their boss ask HUD appropriations subcommittee leaders to provide $2.4 billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento programs in the draft FY 2012 funding bill.
Let us know which offices you contacted! Email Kate Seif at cseif@naeh.org or me at akrusemark@naeh.org.
Going on Capitol Hill Day visits at our annual conference next week?
If you are planning to participate in Capitol Hill Day visits at the Alliance’s annual conference next week, the timing couldn’t be more perfect! The bill will come out DURING the conference. As you work to confirm your meetings and let congressional offices know you’ll be in town next week, mention that you hope their boss will take action before the conference. Then, during the meetings, you can either thank them for taking action or ask that they work with you throughout the rest of the process to improve the draft House bill. If you want more information on Capitol Hill day, just let me know.
Current Policy/Budget Environment and Timing
There is little doubt that Congress is going to cut spending even more than they did in the final FY 2011 bill. It’s up to us to make sure that those cuts don’t happen on the backs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness! Right now, congressional and White House leaders are negotiating about the larger debt/deficit situation. Whatever deal they reach (which is expected in the coming weeks), it will likely set the overall amount of funding available to the appropriations committees for FY 2012. Then, the appropriations committees will divide that up among the various subcommittees (including the HUD subcommittee).
For the most part, the Senate is expected to wait for these larger issues to be resolved before it moves forward with its own appropriations bills. The House, however, is moving forward anyway. As a result, the bill being released next week will almost certainly be very different from the final FY 2012 funding bill. It gives the House a chance to demonstrate its goals for cutting spending. As a result, the bill may not be quite as good as we would like – but we need to make sure that it’s as good as possible and that Members of Congress understand how absolutely CRITICAL it is to provide $2.4 billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento programs in the final FY 2012 budget. This will be a starting point for other bills, and we need a STRONG opening proposal.
As always, let me know if you have any questions, and thanks in advance for your help.
Best,
Amanda
Amanda Krusemark
Director of Policy Outreach
National Alliance to End Homelessness
1518 K Street NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 942-8256
akrusemark@naeh.org
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants
House Talking Points
FY 2012 “Ask” Pres. FY 2012 Request FY 2011 Level FY 2010 Level
$2.4 billion $2.372 billion $1.905 billion $1.865 billion
Talking Points
You do not need to use all of these talking points. Discuss the ones that seem most relevant to your community or program.
• Please contact the leaders of the HUD appropriations subcommittee to ask that, as they draft the House’s FY 2012 HUD funding bill, they provide $2.4 billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants program.
• Homelessness is Solvable. Between 2005 and 2007, McKinney-funded programs contributed to a 10 percent drop in homelessness nationally. From 2005 to 2009, chronic homelessness fell by more than one-third. Between 2008 and 2009, as the recession hit, homelessness only went up about 3 percent nationally – a testament to communities’ commitment to implementing proven solutions to the problem.
• Need. However, with the recession, we have seen more people at risk of homelessness. Discuss the need your community is seeing for increased federal homelessness resources due to the recession and cuts in state and local budgets.
• Bipartisan Support. We must continue efforts over the last decade by congresses and administrations from both parties to make preventing and ending homelessness a top priority.
• These Programs Work. HUD’s McKinney-Vento programs have strong support because they are repeatedly proven effective at preventing and ending homelessness for families, veterans, individuals, youth, and children. Discuss local declines in homelessness. If recent data shows an increase in homelessness, discuss the progress that had been made prior to the recession.
• The 2009 reauthorization bill, the HEARTH Act, increased the focus of McKinney-Vento programs even further on proven models.
o Permanent Supportive Housing. Discuss the role of McKinney-funded PSH in reducing chronic homelessness in your communities. Explain the cost-effectiveness of PSH.
o Rapid Re-Housing and Prevention. The HEARTH Act expanded the low-cost, efficient models of rapid re-housing and emergency prevention through the Emergency Solutions block grant. Discuss the success of local HPRP initiatives (with data if possible) and the need to replace it with a more permanent source. Share the average cost of an HPRP intervention.
• Community Impact. Discuss what, specifically, your community could use additional McKinney-Vento funding to do. Describe a program that could be created or an existing program that could continue.
• Please continue to show your support for HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants program by contacting the leaders of the HUD appropriations subcommittee to ask them to provide $2.4 billion in FY 2012 for HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants program.
I hope you’re all doing well and had a great Independence Day holiday weekend! The House HUD appropriations subcommittee is scheduled to vote on its draft FY 2012 funding bill next Thursday, July 14. They will likely release the details on either July 13 or July 14. Because this bill will be the first proposal from Congress, we need YOUR help to make sure it is as good as possible!
Here’s what you can do:
a. Call your representative’s DC office. Ask to speak to the person who handles housing issues. (We can help you find out who this is.)
b. Use the attached talking points to request that their boss ask HUD appropriations subcommittee leaders to provide $2.4 billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento programs in the draft FY 2012 funding bill.
Let us know which offices you contacted! Email Kate Seif at cseif@naeh.org or me at akrusemark@naeh.org.
Going on Capitol Hill Day visits at our annual conference next week?
If you are planning to participate in Capitol Hill Day visits at the Alliance’s annual conference next week, the timing couldn’t be more perfect! The bill will come out DURING the conference. As you work to confirm your meetings and let congressional offices know you’ll be in town next week, mention that you hope their boss will take action before the conference. Then, during the meetings, you can either thank them for taking action or ask that they work with you throughout the rest of the process to improve the draft House bill. If you want more information on Capitol Hill day, just let me know.
Current Policy/Budget Environment and Timing
There is little doubt that Congress is going to cut spending even more than they did in the final FY 2011 bill. It’s up to us to make sure that those cuts don’t happen on the backs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness! Right now, congressional and White House leaders are negotiating about the larger debt/deficit situation. Whatever deal they reach (which is expected in the coming weeks), it will likely set the overall amount of funding available to the appropriations committees for FY 2012. Then, the appropriations committees will divide that up among the various subcommittees (including the HUD subcommittee).
For the most part, the Senate is expected to wait for these larger issues to be resolved before it moves forward with its own appropriations bills. The House, however, is moving forward anyway. As a result, the bill being released next week will almost certainly be very different from the final FY 2012 funding bill. It gives the House a chance to demonstrate its goals for cutting spending. As a result, the bill may not be quite as good as we would like – but we need to make sure that it’s as good as possible and that Members of Congress understand how absolutely CRITICAL it is to provide $2.4 billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento programs in the final FY 2012 budget. This will be a starting point for other bills, and we need a STRONG opening proposal.
As always, let me know if you have any questions, and thanks in advance for your help.
Best,
Amanda
Amanda Krusemark
Director of Policy Outreach
National Alliance to End Homelessness
1518 K Street NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 942-8256
akrusemark@naeh.org
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants
House Talking Points
FY 2012 “Ask” Pres. FY 2012 Request FY 2011 Level FY 2010 Level
$2.4 billion $2.372 billion $1.905 billion $1.865 billion
Talking Points
You do not need to use all of these talking points. Discuss the ones that seem most relevant to your community or program.
• Please contact the leaders of the HUD appropriations subcommittee to ask that, as they draft the House’s FY 2012 HUD funding bill, they provide $2.4 billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants program.
• Homelessness is Solvable. Between 2005 and 2007, McKinney-funded programs contributed to a 10 percent drop in homelessness nationally. From 2005 to 2009, chronic homelessness fell by more than one-third. Between 2008 and 2009, as the recession hit, homelessness only went up about 3 percent nationally – a testament to communities’ commitment to implementing proven solutions to the problem.
• Need. However, with the recession, we have seen more people at risk of homelessness. Discuss the need your community is seeing for increased federal homelessness resources due to the recession and cuts in state and local budgets.
• Bipartisan Support. We must continue efforts over the last decade by congresses and administrations from both parties to make preventing and ending homelessness a top priority.
• These Programs Work. HUD’s McKinney-Vento programs have strong support because they are repeatedly proven effective at preventing and ending homelessness for families, veterans, individuals, youth, and children. Discuss local declines in homelessness. If recent data shows an increase in homelessness, discuss the progress that had been made prior to the recession.
• The 2009 reauthorization bill, the HEARTH Act, increased the focus of McKinney-Vento programs even further on proven models.
o Permanent Supportive Housing. Discuss the role of McKinney-funded PSH in reducing chronic homelessness in your communities. Explain the cost-effectiveness of PSH.
o Rapid Re-Housing and Prevention. The HEARTH Act expanded the low-cost, efficient models of rapid re-housing and emergency prevention through the Emergency Solutions block grant. Discuss the success of local HPRP initiatives (with data if possible) and the need to replace it with a more permanent source. Share the average cost of an HPRP intervention.
• Community Impact. Discuss what, specifically, your community could use additional McKinney-Vento funding to do. Describe a program that could be created or an existing program that could continue.
• Please continue to show your support for HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants program by contacting the leaders of the HUD appropriations subcommittee to ask them to provide $2.4 billion in FY 2012 for HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants program.
Report: SSI fails to meet housing for disabled
The Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. (TAC) and Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Housing Task Force recently released Priced Out (link to report), examining the value of Supplementary Security Income (SSI). The report shows that an individual receiving SSI, a federal supplement designed to provide for the basic needs of disabled people who have little or no income, is priced out of every single housing market in the United States.
Within New Jersey's federally defined housing market areas the cost of a one-bedroom rental unit ranged from a low of 107% of SSI payments in the Ocean City housing market area to a high of 185% in the Bergen/Passaic housing market area.
To read more and to access the full report use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/05/priced-out-2010/
Please share this information.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Within New Jersey's federally defined housing market areas the cost of a one-bedroom rental unit ranged from a low of 107% of SSI payments in the Ocean City housing market area to a high of 185% in the Bergen/Passaic housing market area.
To read more and to access the full report use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/05/priced-out-2010/
Please share this information.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Report: SSI fails to meet housing for disabled
The Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. (TAC) and Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Housing Task Force recently released Priced Out (link to report), examining the value of Supplementary Security Income (SSI). The report shows that an individual receiving SSI, a federal supplement designed to provide for the basic needs of disabled people who have little or no income, is priced out of every single housing market in the United States.
Within New Jersey's federally defined housing market areas the cost of a one-bedroom rental unit ranged from a low of 107% of SSI payments in the Ocean City housing market area to a high of 185% in the Bergen/Passaic housing market area.
To read more and to access the full report use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/05/priced-out-2010/
Please share this information.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Within New Jersey's federally defined housing market areas the cost of a one-bedroom rental unit ranged from a low of 107% of SSI payments in the Ocean City housing market area to a high of 185% in the Bergen/Passaic housing market area.
To read more and to access the full report use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/07/05/priced-out-2010/
Please share this information.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Connie: These are the type of permanent housing units we have been suggesting: New Supportive Housing Units Open
A Supportive Housing Association bulletin
Efficiency apartments end homelessness for eight
On June 29, 2011, the Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation (PERC) cut the ribbon and officially opened the Shelter Plus Care Supportive Housing Apartments in Union City. "Today, there are 8 fewer people who have nowhere to call home," Emory Edwards, PERC Executive Director said. "This construction project was all about creating permanent housing for our homeless shelter guests, many of whom need some support to live independently. We thank our many partners, especially Hudson County, for seeing this vision through to completion."
PERC's supportive housing program is designed to provide both affordable housing and assistance support services to homeless, disabled individuals. With PERC's help, the residents of these 8 new, studio apartments will have new hope for a secure future. All of the units have private bathrooms and kitchenettes. The eight new tenants will move in on July 1, 2011.
Housing vouchers were provided through the United Way of Hudson County and will be managed by the Jersey City Housing Authority.
Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise led the ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication. He was joined by a number of local officials and dignitaries, including Union City Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack represented by Chris Irizarry, HUD Field Director Diane Johnson, and United Way of Hudson County President Daniel Altilio.
Funding sources included:
- County of Hudson County HOME Funds
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Shelter + Care
- New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
- Federal Home Loan Bank of NY, and
- Provident Bank
The development team included:
- Kitchen & Associates Architectural Services; and
- Taborda Group
Monarch Housing served as the development and financing consultant.
Ed Murphy
Executive Director
Supportive Housing Association of NJ
29 Alden Street, Suite 1B, Cranford NJ 07016
908.931.1131
HELP meeting Monday, July 11th @ 7 p.m.
The next meeting of Homelessness Ended Through Local Partners (H.E.L.P.) will take place at the House of Hope (second floor) at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2011. [The PCTR is not available for this meeting. For those new to the group, the House of Hope is directly across the parking lot from the back entrance to the Presbyterian Church of Toms River.]
Monday, July 4, 2011
Missing in America: Homeless veterans
“The federal government should not have to be sued into giving veterans with mental illnesses and brain injuries the care they need so they don’t end up living in the street. But it has come to that.” – New York Times Editorial, June 8, 2011
A link to the ACLU's site:
http://www.aclu.org/blog/content/mia-missing-america-0
A link to the ACLU's site:
http://www.aclu.org/blog/content/mia-missing-america-0
TR: Fair and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
From Connie Pascale:
Several weeks ago, in lieu of our normal meeting, we attended a meeting of the new Fair and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee established by Toms River. As you recall, this Committee was created by the Township as part of its effort to produce a comprehensive Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), as well as to obtain input concerning ways to address the need for affordable housing. Many of us were asked to be Committee members.
Several weeks ago, in lieu of our normal meeting, we attended a meeting of the new Fair and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee established by Toms River. As you recall, this Committee was created by the Township as part of its effort to produce a comprehensive Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), as well as to obtain input concerning ways to address the need for affordable housing. Many of us were asked to be Committee members.
The draft AI is now completed. The Township is seeking comment from the Committee regarding the draft before a public hearing is held. A Committee meeting for this purpose has been scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2011 at 4 p.m. in the Lomell room on the first floor of the Toms River Municipal Building. (See the notice below.) Once again, this is in direct conflict with our normal meeting.
The Committee meeting represents another 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. (Please note the time, which is earlier than we usually meet.) The TR Municipal building in on Washington Street in downtown Toms River, across from the Courthouse and next to the library.
As the notice below makes clear, a hard copy of the draft can be viewed at several locations. A PDF version will be available on the Township's website on Tuesday or Wednesday. A scanned version can be accessed here: Toms River AI.xps. (Click "download anyway" when prompted to do so.) It is very long and will take a while to download. But you should be able to review it online once the process is complete. If you only have limited time, please take a look at the identified impediments, as well as the proposed strategies for overcoming them. It is in these two areas that our input will be most valuable. Is the list of identified impediments accurate and complete? Are the proposed strategies sufficient to overcome them, or must more be done?
Have a good holiday weekend and a great week. See you Monday, July 11th.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Christie Abolishes COAH in Power Grab Intended to Allow Wealthiest Municipalities to Exclude
Fair Share Housing
by Kevin Walsh
June 30, 2011 - Trenton, NJ - Earlier this evening, Governor Christie filed a reorganization plan that would eliminate the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). Governor Christie has made clear that his goal is to allow municipalities to exclude working families and other lower-income New Jerseyans, stating in his press release that he has “always believed that municipalities should be able to make their own decisions on affordable housing.” Municipalities that want to build walls that exclude everyone but the wealthy thus have the support of Governor Christie.
“The governor is attempting to consolidate power so he can allow municipalities where the wealthiest New Jerseyans live keep out working folks,” said Kevin D. Walsh, Associate Director of Fair Share Housing Center. “The governor has failed to get his way on this issue through the courts and the Legislature. This is just his newest way to enable municipalities to exclude hardworking folks who need good homes.”
If it goes into effect in 60 days, the governor’s plan will expose municipalities that are currently protected by COAH to litigation in the courts. Since 1986, the courts have allowed COAH to protect municipalities from litigation. Over 300 municipalities currently are protected by COAH. If COAH no longer exists, that protection is gone.
The governor previously shut down COAH through an executive order issued in February 2009, retreating after Fair Share Housing Center appealed his action in the courts. Most recently, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving regulations that allow municipalities to establish their own housing obligations.
The reorganization plan involving COAH is available here. The press release is available here.
Fair Share Housing Center, founded in 1975, is based in Cherry Hill. It is the only public interest organization devoted entirely to defending the housing rights of New Jersey’s poor through implementing the Mount Laurel doctrine, which requires that each municipality provide its fair share of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income people.
by Kevin Walsh
June 30, 2011 - Trenton, NJ - Earlier this evening, Governor Christie filed a reorganization plan that would eliminate the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). Governor Christie has made clear that his goal is to allow municipalities to exclude working families and other lower-income New Jerseyans, stating in his press release that he has “always believed that municipalities should be able to make their own decisions on affordable housing.” Municipalities that want to build walls that exclude everyone but the wealthy thus have the support of Governor Christie.
“The governor is attempting to consolidate power so he can allow municipalities where the wealthiest New Jerseyans live keep out working folks,” said Kevin D. Walsh, Associate Director of Fair Share Housing Center. “The governor has failed to get his way on this issue through the courts and the Legislature. This is just his newest way to enable municipalities to exclude hardworking folks who need good homes.”
If it goes into effect in 60 days, the governor’s plan will expose municipalities that are currently protected by COAH to litigation in the courts. Since 1986, the courts have allowed COAH to protect municipalities from litigation. Over 300 municipalities currently are protected by COAH. If COAH no longer exists, that protection is gone.
The governor previously shut down COAH through an executive order issued in February 2009, retreating after Fair Share Housing Center appealed his action in the courts. Most recently, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving regulations that allow municipalities to establish their own housing obligations.
The reorganization plan involving COAH is available here. The press release is available here.
Fair Share Housing Center, founded in 1975, is based in Cherry Hill. It is the only public interest organization devoted entirely to defending the housing rights of New Jersey’s poor through implementing the Mount Laurel doctrine, which requires that each municipality provide its fair share of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income people.
ACLU: Being Poor is not a Crime
The 2011 legislative sessions saw the introduction of bills in over 30 states that called for drug testing of people receiving public assistance. Unsurprisingly, most of these bills target people applying for welfare, but there were also bills introduced to test individuals applying for unemployment, public housing and Medicaid.
Thankfully, most of these laws have failed — but not all of them. A Missouri bill awaits a decision by its governor, Jay Nixon, and Florida has signed a bill into law that actually requires individuals applying for assistance to front the cost of their drug test — which the state will reimburse if the test comes up clean. (We've blogged about this law before.)
Although the law is slated to go into effect on July 1, Florida has not yet released guidelines letting us know how exactly the bill will be implemented, where drug testing will be offered or how much it will cost per person. One thing we have learned from preliminary draft guidelines is that individuals who test positive for drug use might be investigated for child abuse.
The people these bills target seem to have one defining characteristic — they are poor. These bills are introduced by legislators based on the wrong belief that poor people use drugs at a higher rate. Being poor does not mean you are more or less likely to use drugs, nor does it mean you relinquish your right to privacy and due process.
Forced drug testing of poor people is unconstitutional, scientifically unsound, fiscally irresponsible and one more way the "war on drugs" is an unfair war on America's most vulnerable populations.
Thankfully, most of these laws have failed — but not all of them. A Missouri bill awaits a decision by its governor, Jay Nixon, and Florida has signed a bill into law that actually requires individuals applying for assistance to front the cost of their drug test — which the state will reimburse if the test comes up clean. (We've blogged about this law before.)
Although the law is slated to go into effect on July 1, Florida has not yet released guidelines letting us know how exactly the bill will be implemented, where drug testing will be offered or how much it will cost per person. One thing we have learned from preliminary draft guidelines is that individuals who test positive for drug use might be investigated for child abuse.
The people these bills target seem to have one defining characteristic — they are poor. These bills are introduced by legislators based on the wrong belief that poor people use drugs at a higher rate. Being poor does not mean you are more or less likely to use drugs, nor does it mean you relinquish your right to privacy and due process.
Forced drug testing of poor people is unconstitutional, scientifically unsound, fiscally irresponsible and one more way the "war on drugs" is an unfair war on America's most vulnerable populations.
HUD's Donovan advocates flexible admissions policy for ex-offenders
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan wrote a letter to Public Housing Authority (PHA) directors to encourage flexible admissions policies for people re-entering communities following incarceration. The Secretary acknowledged the importance of stable housing in successful reintegration and cited HUD’s efforts to balance public safety with family reunification. The letter urges PHAs to allow those re-entering after incarceration to rejoin their families living in public housing or who are in the Section 8 program when it is appropriate.
To read more including the letter from Secretary Donovan use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/06/28/hud-encourages-flexible-public-housing-authority-admissions-policies/
Please share with colleagues and co-workers.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
To read more including the letter from Secretary Donovan use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/06/28/hud-encourages-flexible-public-housing-authority-admissions-policies/
Please share with colleagues and co-workers.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Report Analyzes Fed agencies that assist homeless
One year after the release of "Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to End Homelessness," the National Alliance to End Homelessness has released a report analyzing the success of the member federal agencies of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness in meeting Opening Door’s ambitious goals. The plan set the goals of ending chronic and veteran homelessness in five years; homelessness among families, children, and youth in ten years; and moving the country toward ending all homelessness.
The initial data suggest that instead of going down, homelessness in the country may have increased slightly during the first year of the Plan. While the Administration has clearly been active in implementing its Plan, results have not yet started to emerge. External factors such as the economy and the budget deficit, along with an emphasis on coordination and information strategies rather than more substantive housing, treatment, and jobs strategies, have hindered progress.
To read more and to share your opinion use this link:
http://wp.me/peqFK-1NY
Please share or forward this email.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
The initial data suggest that instead of going down, homelessness in the country may have increased slightly during the first year of the Plan. While the Administration has clearly been active in implementing its Plan, results have not yet started to emerge. External factors such as the economy and the budget deficit, along with an emphasis on coordination and information strategies rather than more substantive housing, treatment, and jobs strategies, have hindered progress.
To read more and to share your opinion use this link:
http://wp.me/peqFK-1NY
Please share or forward this email.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
National Alliance to End Homelessness video
Last week, the National Alliance to End Homelessness conducted a webinar, “Coordinated Entry Part II: Serving Singles and Families in Columbus, OH.” The materials from the session, including the PowerPoint presentation and Q&A are available. We also pleased to provide the video from the webinar. As CoC's prepare for HEARTH, Coordinated Entry models should be part of the discussion.
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/06/28/coordinated-entry-works/
Please share with colleagues and co-workers.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/06/28/coordinated-entry-works/
Please share with colleagues and co-workers.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
National Alliance to End Homelessness video
Last week, the National Alliance to End Homelessness conducted a webinar, “Coordinated Entry Part II: Serving Singles and Families in Columbus, OH.” The materials from the session, including the PowerPoint presentation and Q&A are available. We also pleased to provide the video from the webinar. As CoC's prepare for HEARTH, Coordinated Entry models should be part of the discussion.
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/06/28/coordinated-entry-works/
Please share with colleagues and co-workers.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
To read more use this link:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/06/28/coordinated-entry-works/
Please share with colleagues and co-workers.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Homeless Children: 60 Minutes + Monarch Housing video
On March 7, 2011, we published The hard times generation about Scott Pelley of CBS’s 60 Minutes report on homeless students in Florida. The report made the case that some children, socializing and learning are being cruelly complicated by homelessness. The video has been updated. As we noted then, this also occurs in New Jersey and is unacceptable.
Unemployment continues to hover around nine percent and job creation is so slow, it'll be years before we get back the seven and a half million jobs lost in the Great Recession. American families have been falling out of the middle class in record numbers.
To read more and to watch the video click:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/06/27/homeless-children-the-hard-times-generation/
Please share this email with colleagues, co-workers and friends.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
Unemployment continues to hover around nine percent and job creation is so slow, it'll be years before we get back the seven and a half million jobs lost in the Great Recession. American families have been falling out of the middle class in record numbers.
To read more and to watch the video click:
http://monarchhousing.org/2011/06/27/homeless-children-the-hard-times-generation/
Please share this email with colleagues, co-workers and friends.
Yours,
Richard W. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Monarch Housing Associates
29 Alden Street
Suite 1B
Cranford, NJ 07016-2156
908-272-5363 ext. 225
908-382-6309 (Fax)
mailto:rbrown@monarchhousing.org
State of the litigation-Discovery & Lakewood gets aggressive
Subject: Litigation Update: Discovery From County/Lakewood Threatening Tent City
Dear Coalition for the Homeless of Ocean County,
I write to update you on two developments in the Right to Shelter Litigation:
1. Discovery from County
As you know, at the last court hearing, the judge denied the County's motion to dismiss all of our claims, and instead allowed the Homeless Individuals to continue the claim that there is a right to shelter under New Jersey's statutory law. Most recently, we asked Judge Grasso (in the first attachment to this e-mail) to permit us to obtain information from the County through discovery, so that we could use that information to amend and expand the claims of the Homeless Individuals against the County.
During a telephone conference with the judge, the County argued that no discovery at all should be allowed. The judge did not accept the County's position, and instead directed the County's attorneys to speak with this law firm about the specific information that the County will have to provide. The judge also agreed with us that the Homeless Individuals should not need to file their amended and expanded claims against the County until after the County provides some discovery. Thus, we will not have to file those claims on July 1 (the originally scheduled date). After the telephone conference, we had a cooperative call with one of the County's lawyers about discovery. We also remain ready to cooperate with the County about other issues if the opportunity arises.
2. Lakewood Threatening Tent City
Thanks to our Coalition, for more than a year, the homeless have been able to continue living in the Lakewood tent city. However, today, I received a letter from Lakewood's lawyers (the second attachment to this e-mail) threatening to go to the judge and seek a court order because of what Lakewood contends are 15 structures, a well and a generator added since last summer when the Consent Order was signed by the judge. We do not believe that this is accurate, but we are going to attempt to resolve Lakewood's concerns. I have discussed this development with the lawyer for Minister Steve Brigham, Todd Wilson, and Todd and I will be speaking with Lakewood's lawyer soon. This way, hopefully, we can continue to cooperate with Lakewood and keep the light on the real problem: the lack of available shelter in the County.
Regards,
Jeff
Jeffrey J. Wild
Member of the Firm
Lowenstein Sandler PC
65 Livingston Avenue
Roseland, New Jersey 07068
Tele: 973-597-2554
Fax: 973-597-2555
-and-
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Tele: 212-262-6700
Fax: 973-5970-2555
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