Editorial: Trenton Rescue Mission 15-unit housing project provides new opportunities for hope

A group of donors and grantsmakers are banding together to create a 15-housing unit in Trenton on the corner of Perry and Carroll streets.
Tenants of the new Perry Street Supportive Permanent Housing Project will have access to case management services on site to help guide the residents to self-sufficiency as they seek employment and regain their lives. Combining housing with social services reflects the forward thinking of the Rescue Mission, which was founded in 1915.
The residents are expected to contribute 30 percent of their income toward rent, giving them an investment in the program’s continued success.

The full editorial from The Times of Trenton can be found at http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2012/09/editorial_trenton_rescue_missi.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

More information about the project and the ground breaking ceremony can be found at http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/09/rescue_mission_of_trenton_to_b.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The permanent housing will be funded by government and private money.

Longtime president of Trenton's Habitat for Humanity to retire

NJ.com reports that David McAlpin will retire after 25 years at Trenton's Habitat for Humanity. During that time the group has built more than 80 homes.

Read the story on the Web: http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/10/longtime_president_of_trentons.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter 

NJ Homekeeper program doesn't

Gov. Christie says that sometimes government doesn't work like it's supposed to.  Really? Isn't that his job?  (Or is it to go galavanting around the country campaigning for others?)  Is that all he has to say to the thousands of people who were denied $300 million in federal funds because his administrators artificially set standards too high?  No "sorry" to the people who lost their homes because of one more failure by his crew?

For more information check the NJ.com story: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/10/gov_christie_says_foreclosure.html

OC Freeholders: Hearing To Be Held at Toms River Senior Center

10/1/2012

TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has scheduled a public hearing on its 2013-15 Area Plan Contract for noon, Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Toms River Senior Center, 652 Garfield Ave., here.

"The County Office of Senior Services serves as the focal point where older adults and their families can turn to for information regarding services and programs," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Senior Services. "The 2013-15 Area Plan Contract outlines Ocean County's plan for addressing the current and future needs of our seniors."

The 2013 Aging Services Plan includes 50 programs with 22 service providers; and is expected to serve approximately 32,000 individuals with access, home support, community support, nutrition support and caregiver services.

"These are key areas that help our seniors maintain their independence and their quality of life," Vicari said.

A copy of the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract Summary is available by calling the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or 1-800-668-4899 and will be posted on the Ocean County website at www.co.ocean.nj.us.

The programs are funded through federal, state and county funds totaling over $5.3 million.

Vicari stated that many are familiar with the County's safety network of services for the frail/disabled elderly, however, he said, the Office of Senior Services also has an important role in assisting the newly arrived senior adult in preparing for a healthy future.

"Our Office of Senior Services has a wide array of information and programs to promote healthy aging from helping people prepare for the numerous aspects of Medicare to choosing a healthier lifestyle; we try to meet the many needs of our older adult population," he said.

So far this year, 80 community presentations have been conducted. Health EASE programs such as Take Control of Your Health, Move Today and Mind Body are conducted in locations throughout the county.

"We work in partnership with other County agencies," Vicari said. "We have a great relationship with the Ocean County Library and the Ocean County Health Department rolling out programs."

So far this year, Senior Services staff helped over 7,000 people and provided information to over 9,000 visitors to its website. Major issues addressed by Senior Services staff were: Prescriptions, Tax Programs, Medicare/Health Insurance, In Home Services and Consumer Issues.

Jane Maloney, Director of the Office of Senior Services noted that the Oct. 9 meeting is the second one conducted by the Office of Senior Services on the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract. A public meeting was held at the Brick Senior Center in April to gather feedback regarding the needs of older adults.

"We encourage our residents to participate in this upcoming meeting regarding Ocean's plan to address our senior's needs," said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little.

Program targets homeless families across US

MIAMI (AP) -- Federal child welfare officials announced Wednesday they are expanding a pilot program that provides housing and case workers to homeless families most at risk for having a child enter foster care.

For more, read the AP story here

HUD Pledges Critically-Needed Funds to Help Public Housing Agencies

HUD officials now acknowledge public housing authorities will face an operating financial crunch in the months ahead. As a result, the department will begin front-loading operating subsidies into PHA accounts to avert severe cuts and service rate hikes to public housing programs, according to Housing Affairs Letter, a weekly online service covering public, private and assisted housing. (Access a sample copy.)

HUD's move was outlined at the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association annual legislative conference Sept. 11 in Washington, DC. PHAs have prepared for months for a deep financial crisis, laying off employees and cutting services. Public housing advocates have pressed lawmakers to restore $750 million to operations in the continuing resolution that will keep the government running through the first quarter of 2013. The $750 million fiscal crunch resulted when Congress allowed HUD to divert the money to other needs.

Under HUD's plan, PHAs -- which now operate on a calendar year -- will subsist at FY 2012 spending levels until Dec. 31. On Jan. 1, when stopgap spending law provisions kick in for PHAs, HUD will revert to its new plan. The continuing resolution, as now designed, will finance government operations temporarily until March 31 at FY 2012 levels. But the CR provides no extra housing aid or restores the $750 million diverted by HUD to boost the Section 8 housing voucher program.

Well-placed sources tell Housing Affairs Letter that HUD's plan would allow PHAs to continue operating at 90% of their documented funding needs. Without the new plan, PHAs would have been forced to operate at about 80% of need. What happens after March 31 remains to be seen. Congress could extend the stopgap spending law for the entire fiscal year, but doing so would likely spawn financial chaos in several of HUD's housing programs.

HUD is undertaking the new move, anticipating Congress eventually will approve a $4.5 billion subsidy for the coming year, compared with $3.9 billion for the current year. Even so, the department's expectations do not account for the looming sequestration of federal spending that would reduce money for housing programs by at least 9% across the board beginning Jan. 2. The sequestration is mandated in the Budget Control Act of 2011 and aimed at reducing the federal deficit.

For more information contact:

Tom Edwards, Housing Affairs Letter 301-588-6380 x137; tedwards@cdpublications.com

Be Informed - VOTE!

The homeless can register and vote.  Important dates to remember:

Last day to register to vote Oct. 16

Election Day Nov 6

This is perhaps the most important election in our lifetime.  And remember, the politicians pay attention to voters.  Don't vote?  Don't complain!  Participate in your democracy.