Announcements

Out of Reach 2023
According to an annual, national report, New Jersey is the sixth most expensive location for renters. The report, Out of Reach, was jointly released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), a research and advocacy organization dedicated solely to achieving affordable and decent homes for the lowest income people, and the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network). Learn more at www.hcdnnj.org/oor.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

Mercer County A-Team Meetings 2023:
Tuesday, September 19, 10-11AM - agenda here
Tuesday, December 5, 10-11AM

For more information, contact Matthew Hersh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at [email protected]

Upcoming Network Events:
First Friday Member Discussion
Friday, September 8, 2023

Under One Roof: Network Conference & Membership Meeting
Friday, October 20, 2023


Become a Member!

With over 250 members of affordable housing and community development corporations, individuals and others who support the creation of homes and economic opportunity for low- and moderate- income residents, the Network's goal is to make housing and community choices more balanced and equitable. We are proud to be NJ's premiere source for public policy advocacy, technical assistance and training resources, and cutting-edge research for our partners' community revitalization efforts. Click here to learn more!

Our members include:

  • Nonprofit affordable housing and 
    community development organizations
  • Community organizing agencies
  • Other community-based nonprofit organization
  • Technical assistance providers
  • Various social service agencies
  • Financial institutions
  • Builders and developers


County Background

Mercer

In 2021, New Jersey’s capital county’s network of affordable housing advocates will work toward bridging affordable housing gaps countywide.

Key policy focus:

  • Problem and abandoned properties – Take inventory of some of the county’s hot spots, particularly in areas where there are concentrated abandoned properties. Trenton is an obvious focal point but Hamilton and Ewing both have significant challenges.

  • Community Health Neighborhood Initiatives – Identify ways that Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) can help create homes in collaboration with local hospitals and improve health outcomes in NJ communities. Identify ways members can collaborate with local hospitals to provide residents with homes that are affordable and free of dangers like lead and mold. Other, possible successful outcomes are community gardens, free health screenings, and educational programs.

  • Economic Growth & Workforce Development—Trenton is the only city identified by DCA as eligible for NRTC, so we will work with Trenton stakeholders on strengthening support for NRTC projects.

  • New Urban Agenda – We will review the NUA and identify clear, actionable goals, as well as put into place longer-term efforts.

Resources

The following is a list of food, healthcare, housing, and financial resources along with resources for families, children, and seniors. Additional resources can be found here on our main resources page.

Mercer County Housing Resource Guide (English/Spanish)

Emergency Assistance
An explanation of Emergency Assistance from the NJ Department of Human Services Division of Family Development.

SEED: Growing our Communities Program
Sponsored in partnership by the Network and New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC), this program provides HCDNNJ members and non-members access to low-cost, pre-development loans to support their economic development projects.

New Jersey HUD Certified Housing Counseling Organizations
This listing is of the HUD certified housing counseling organization that are part of the Network's housing intermediary sub grantee group.

Homelessness Trust Fund
This toolkit is to assist advocates in their efforts to help create County Homeless Trust Funds. Here you'll find a fact sheet, endorsements, model ordinance and county plans.