Hudson County Freeholders Unanimously Support Effort to Build a Thriving New Jersey
Approve resolution urging state officials to invest in affordable homes

2/3/2017

The Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted unanimously this week in favor of adopting a resolution supporting an effort to address housing affordability in New Jersey. The “Build a Thriving New Jersey” campaign urges elected officials and gubernatorial candidates to support an investment of $600 million annually into affordable homes.

“Looking at our sluggish economy and how much the need for affordable homes has grown, this investment is crucial to having stronger communities and an economic renewal,” said John Restrepo, director of the division of housing and community development, Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation. “We can build a thriving NJ by making sure we can afford homes in the communities where we work and live.”

The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) launched the “Build a Thriving New Jersey” campaign to boost the state’s economy through a plan that creates affordable home opportunities and jobs for NJ residents. The State previously invested in ten community development programs but over the last decade but much of the funding has been diverted or abandoned. Several of the programs housing advocates say will help “build a thriving NJ” include the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the State Rental Assistance Program, the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program (NRTC), Lead Poisoning Prevention and Weatherization, and Homeless Service Programs.

“Programs like the NRTC and Affordable Housing Trust Fund have been a huge benefit to Hudson County,” said William O’Dea, vice-chairperson, Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “We support investments in affordable homes because they result in tangible benefits that we see and feel every day, right in our very own communities.”

The resolution adopted by the Freeholders references the economic distress created by the 2008 recession, the foreclosure crisis, and Superstorm Sandy. According to the United Way’s recent ALICE report, 23 percent of Hudson County residents are struggling to make ends meet despite being employed.

“If we can’t afford to live here, we can’t get our economy back on track,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Network. “This will recharge our economy and benefit all NJ residents.

To learn more about Build a Thriving New Jersey, visit www.hcdnnj.org/BuildaThrivingNJ.

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

For more information: Nina Arce
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(609) 789-7900
Website: hcdnnj.org
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