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Statewide Housing and Community Development Association Celebrates 35 Years Serving NJ 4/19/2024
“35 years is a tremendous accomplishment for the nonprofit sector and it wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our honorees, members, partners and legislative champions,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Network. “As long as there are New Jerseyans struggling to keep a roof over their heads, we will not stop giving our all to HouseNJ. Housing is a human right and every one of our neighbors deserves a safe place they can afford to call home.” At the event, several distinguished guests were recognized for their leadership and impact on the housing and community development sector. Honorees included: Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), the City of Newark under the leadership of Mayor Ras J. Baraka, TD Bank, the Community Foundation of NJ, the Supportive Housing Association of NJ (SHA), former Office of the Governor Deputy Chief of Staff and current NJ Education Association Director of Government Relations Deborah Cornavaca, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Assistant Vice President of Equity and Culture Maisha Simmons. Waterfront Project, Inc. Executive Director Carol Sainthilaire was presented with the Rising Leader Award while former Network Board of Directors Chairs Blair Schleicher Wilson and Raymond Ocasio were recognized for career achievement as the leaders of their former organizations, Morris Habitat for Humanity and La Casa de Don Pedro, respectively. “I'm deeply honored to accept this recognition from an organization that embodies the very spirit of community and equity,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Tirelessly advocating for affordable housing and social justice for over three decades, the Housing and Community Development Network has been a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable among us. From securing over $200 million in dedicated housing investments to providing critical support through covid relief programs, each accomplishment is a significant step forward in our shared mission to ensure that every individual has access to safe and stable housing. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of race and economic status, can afford to call New Jersey home." "I am deeply humbled and truly honored to have received the Rising Leader award at this year's Celebration Luncheon,” said Sainthilaire. “It was incredibly inspiring to be among such passionate and dedicated advocates, all united in the belief that housing is a fundamental human right. Together, we are not just promoting awareness; we are driving action towards ensuring justice and dignity for all. This event not only celebrated our efforts but also reinforced the urgent need to keep pushing forward. I am grateful for this recognition and even more motivated to continue our vital work in housing advocacy." “SHA incredibly grateful to be recognized by the Housing and Community Development of NJ for all our work since we were founded in 1998,” said SHA Executive Director Diane Riley. “Ensuring that people with disabilities can find a safe affordable home in communities throughout New Jersey means a richer life for individuals and more thriving and diverse neighborhoods. The Network's partnership with SHA enhances both our organizations and enables us to advocate more effectively for our common goal of housing for all!” Over the course of 35 years, the Network has led efforts to build the capacity of its membership so that they can build healthy, strong, and affordable neighborhoods. The Network has advocated for policy and programmatic interventions to secure transformative investments in NJ communities and help close the racial wealth gap. A few of the Network’s greatest achievements include the creation of the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program; preservation of the NJ Affordable Housing Trust Fund; securing groundbreaking housing protections that helped prevent a tsunami of evictions and foreclosures during the pandemic; becoming a certified, funding HUD Housing Counseling Intermediary; and enactment of the Community Wealth Preservation Program. Most recently, because of advocacy efforts by the Network and its members and partners, Governor Phil Murphy has signed into law a bill that reforms enforcement of fair housing in NJ, addressing the severe shortage of affordable and available homes in the state. "We know how expensive it is to be poor. We're not doing this because we want notoriety, we do this because democracy should be for everybody,” said Mayor Baraka. “People shouldn't have to struggle with where to find the next meal, or how they're going to pay their bills, or do they have a roof to put over their head — we shouldn't be struggling around basic necessities, not in this advanced stage of democracy in the richest country in the world.” Held at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, the event was sponsored by premiere sponsor TD Bank as well as M&T Bank, Santander, Valley Bank, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Wells Fargo, Columbia Bank, Kean University John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research, NJ Redevelopment Authority, PNC Bank, PSEG, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Bridges Outreach, Gateway Community Action Partnership, Ironbound Community Corporation, Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, NJ Education Association, NORWESCAP, NJ Citizen Action, York Street Project, LISC of Greater Newark, Passaic County Habitat for Humanity, Princeton Community Housing, Region Nine Housing Corporation, Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society, and Triple C Housing. About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ For more information: Nina Rainiero
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The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) and 300 supporters celebrated its 35th Anniversary at a luncheon on last week, with community developers, housing advocates, service providers, elected officials, and corporate partners. Since 1989, the organization has served NJ’s community development sector, providing technical assistance and advocacy for public policy to create affordable, thriving communities.Supporters
