Housing Advocates Applaud NJ Proactive Measures to Protect Renters and Homeowners 3/19/2020 Following the announcement that Governor Murphy will sign legislation that puts a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions and issue a complimentary Executive Order suspending the removal of individuals from their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement: “Thank you Governor Murphy, Lt. Governor Oliver, Senate President Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Coughlin and all of the members of the Legislature for taking action to keep people in their homes during this pandemic. Housing is health care, now more than ever. We are proud that our state is prioritizing housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a scary time for many of our residents and we echo the governor’s sentiment that no one should fear being kicked out of their home. In addition to the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions, New Jersey has had one of the most robust rental assistance programs in the country. We know that people will need additional help and are already working to identify mechanisms to increase this assistance as we move forward. “HUD’s action yesterday to suspend foreclosures for GSE-backed mortgages for the next 60 days is absolutely a step in the right direction. We reiterate Gov. Murphy’s call for lenders to offer mortgage forbearance options to make sure people can afford to stay in their homes. We also urge our elected officials in Washington, DC to follow NJ’s example to enact a comprehensive moratorium on all evictions for homeowners and renters across the country. The federal government must also help states address the needs of people experiencing homelessness and the non-profit organizations who are providing critical services to our most vulnerable neighbors” About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ For more information: Nina Rainiero |