Statewide Housing and Community Development Association Celebrates a Quarter of a Century Serving NJ

10/17/2014

The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) hosted a dinner for over 200 community developers, housing advocates, service providers, elected officials, and corporate investors to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Founded in 1989, the Network is a statewide nonprofit association providing policy and advocacy and technical assistance and training for its members in the community development sector.

“The most important lesson we’ve learned over 25 years is that every New Jersey resident wants a safe home they can afford in a great community,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Network. “Everyone celebrating this milestone with us has gone through great lengths to make this a reality for thousands of New Jerseyans.”

Over the course of 25 years, the Network has led efforts on behalf of its membership to advocate for policies within all levels of government that would move community development forward and foster the creation of affordable homes. A few of the Network’s greatest policy achievements include the creation of the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program, the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act, and passage of A500, NJ’s most comprehensive housing reform law in 25 years. The Network was also at the forefront after Superstorm Sandy, coordinating policy responses to help guide recovery efforts with a focus on increased access to resources, and ensuring that lower income residents have fair access to opportunities created for those effected by the storm.

“This organization has done tremendous work over its lifetime but I believe it is efforts around Superstorm Sandy has had a widespread effect on New Jersey residents and laid a foundation for recovery around future disasters,” said Berger.

In addition to its policy and advocacy work, the Network also provides technical assistance and training for its members to help increase the community development sector’s building capacity.

Through specialized trainings, the Network has helped to develop partnerships between nonprofit developers and municipal officials to combat blight and revitalize neighborhoods.  

The Network honored several distinguished guests for their leadership and impact on the housing and community development sector. Receiving recognition included: Denise McGregor Armbrister, senior vice president and executive director of the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation; Paige Carlson-Heim, community development manager of TD Bank; Martin Johnson, president of Isles, Inc.; Mike McNeil, executive director of STEPS, the Urban Mayors Association led by Barbara George Johnson, executive director of the John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy and the Honorable Wilda Diaz, president of the Urban Mayors Association and mayor of the City of Perth Amboy; Fair Share Housing Center; and the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

The event hosted at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township was sponsored by premiere sponsor PSE&G as well as TD Bank, Wells Fargo, PNC, Bank of New York Mellon, Citi, Chase, and Bank of America.
 
The Housing and Community Development Network supports New Jersey’s community development sector, collaborating with more than 250 members including community development corporations and others to create affordable homes, expand economic opportunities, and build strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

For more information:  Nina Arce
(609) 393-3752 x1200
(609) 789-7900
Website:  hcdnnj.org
Twitter site:  twitter.com/hcdnnj
Facebook site:  facebook.com/hcdnnj