In this Week's Edition
News
State Budget Passes and Preserves
Affordable Housing Trust Fund
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Special Needs Housing Trust Fund
Legislation Advances to Governor's Desk
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ACL Reflects on Progress and Future Needs
on 22nd Anniversary for Olmstead Ruling
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Investing in Health Draws Strong Connection to Housing and Related Supportive Services
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US Treasury Awards $1.25B From Community Development Financial Institution Fund
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New National Analysis Report on Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
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Sign-Up Reminder: American Rescue Plan's
Major Tax Relief for Families with Children
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Black Homeownership Collaborative
Sets 7-Point Plan to Enable 3M New Homeowners by End of Decade
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NJCDD's Common Ground:
Understanding Compassion Fatigue
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Hoboken Housing Authority Wait List
Opening June 28th
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Camden County Announces Round II
of Assistance to Help Renters Avoid Eviction
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Utility Moratorium Ends July 1st,
Grace Period Until December 31st
Resources & Virtual Forums
National Council for Mental Wellbeing Webinar
Pride Month: Clinical Practices and
Policies for the LGBTQ+ Community
June 25, 2021
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SHA and Partners Sponsor
Webinar on Aging Supports
June 29, 2021
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Brunch for the Brain Webinar Series
Caregiver Isolation Before, During
and After a Global Pandemic
July 21, 2021
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Next SHA
Developers Meeting
1:00–3:00PM via Zoom
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Next SHA
Members Meeting
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Save the Date!
Celebrate 30 Years
with CSH
Virtual Celebration
September 28, 1-5 pm ET
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Save the Date!
2021 Governor's
Conference on Housing and Economic Development
Virtual Event
September 29th & 30th
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New Housing Available
Highland Park, NJ
Check the latest
new postings in the
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Congratulations to Susan Loughery, MBA, Associate Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Trenton and NJAMHAA Board Chair, on recently earning the Outstanding NJAMHAA Leadership Award during the annual member meeting at NJAMHAA. |
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Congratulations to Volunteers of America Delaware Valley on the recent ribbon-cutting at their newest affordable housing development in Mount Laurel. Centerton Village is a 103-unit community located, including two, four-story buildings plus amenities including community rooms and a playground. Several units are designated specifically for homeless veterans, and the community will offer social services for veteran residents. Likewise, all tenants will have access to a resources counselor who will assist in community workshops and events for residents.
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SHA sends a Shout Out to HomeFront on their efforts to combat hunger in Mercer County with a Summer Food and Nutrition Program. HomeFront joins Princeton University, along with Rescue Mission of Trenton, and Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) to provide meals prepared by Princeton University staff for at-risk families, children, and other individuals. The initiative was started last year in collaboration with area nonprofits to help combat food insecurity for needy area residents during the pandemic.
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SHA Welcomes New Members In 2021 |
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State Budget Passes and Preserves
Affordable Housing Trust Fund
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This afternoon, the NJ Assembly and Senate voted to approve $46.4 billion spending plan, the biggest spending bill in New Jersey history. The increase in spending comes from a windfall of tax payments and COVID-19 relief from the federal government. The fiscal year 2022 state budget preserves full funding of New Jersey’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and proposes to pay for other, non-AHTF programs from general revenue. SHA applauds Governor Phil Murphy, our legislators, and The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (The Network) for helping to preserve the AHTF.
Highlights of the budget include more aid to property taxpayers, a record pension payment and funds to launch early voting, among other items.
Gov. Phil Murphy has until July 1 to sign a spending bill into law. Some details, but not all have been made public. Here is a brief breakdown of the fiscal year 2022 spending plan.
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Special Needs Housing Trust Fund
Legislation Advances to Governor's Desk
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As of 4:38PM this afternoon, the full Assembly voted unanimously (75-0) on A1925/S1255. The legislation creates a permanent funding stream of up to $20 Million realty transfer fees toward sustaining the Special Needs Housing Trust Fund in New Jersey. The Assembly's passage of the bill, also passed in the NJ State Senate, will send the bill to Governor Murphy's desk to be signed into law. |
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ACL Reflects on Progress and Future Needs
on 22nd Anniversary for Olmstead Ruling
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On June 22, 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Olmstead v L.C., making clear that people with disabilities have a civil right under the Americans with Disabilities Act to live and fully participate in their communities. In the opinion explaining that decision, the Supreme Court described the harms caused when people with disabilities are denied that right. First, it devalues and stigmatizes disabled people. The Supreme Court stated that it "perpetuates unwarranted assumptions that persons so isolated are incapable of or unworthy of participating in community life.” Second, it deprives people of many things that are important in life. The Court noted that confinement in an institution “severely diminishes the everyday life activities of individuals, including family relations, social contacts, work options, economic independence, educational advancement, and cultural enrichment.”
I have been advocating for the full inclusion of people with disabilities for most of my life and have been involved in Olmstead enforcement activities across the country throughout my career. Although the Supreme Court's words were written more than 20 years ago, they still ring true. I have seen first-hand the changes in the lives of people when they are given the opportunity – and the supports they need – to live the lives they want in the community. And I have seen how much richer our communities are when everyone is part of them.
Also:
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Investing in Health Draws Strong Connection to
Housing and Related Supportive Services
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The following story from WNYC describes the vital links uncovered in social determinants of health, including housing. However, data uncovered in Pennsylvania shows that housing is one part of a successful path to community health as patients benefit from supportive services as they build stable lives.
In the past decade, dozens of studies funded by state and federal governments, private hospitals, insurers and philanthropic organizations have looked into whether addressing patients' social needs improves health and lowers medical costs. So far it's unclear which of these strategies, focused on so-called social determinants of health, are most effective or feasible, according to several recent academic reports that evaluated existing research on the interventions. But because health care providers and insurers are so eager to find ways to lower costs, the limited success of social-need interventions has done little to slow the surge of pilot programs — fueled by billions of private and government dollars.
Across the country, both public and private health insurance programs are launching large initiatives aimed at improving health by helping patients with unmet social needs.
- North Carolina, which is spending $650 million over five years to test the effect of giving Medicaid enrollees assistance with housing, food and transportation.
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California is redesigning its Medicaid program, which covers nearly 14 million residents, to dramatically increase social services to enrollees.
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Temple University Health System in Philadelphia launched a two-year program last year to help 25 homeless Medicaid patients who frequently use its emergency room and other ERs in the city. The program provides the 25 patients with free housing, and caseworkers to help them access other health and social services. For example, the caseworkers can help with furnishing the new apartments, setting up healthy delivered meals, and submitting applications for income assistance such as Social Security. (WNYC, June 21, 2021)
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US Treasury Awards $1.25B From Community Development Financial Institution Fund |
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Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris announced $1.25 billion in awards through the Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund. This represents the largest single funding round in the agency’s history, which will support hundreds of CDFIs across the country, including the Enterprise Community Loan Fund (ECLF), which was awarded $1.8 million. These funds will help Enterprise support Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC)-led small businesses through Equitable Path Forward, our five-year, $3.5 billion initiative to dismantle the deeply-rooted legacy of racism in housing – including the types of homes that are built, who builds them and the wealth that is generated from them.
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New National Analysis Report on Treasury
Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
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NLIHC, the University of Pennsylvania’s Housing Initiative at Penn, and the NYU Furman Center’s newest report, “Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in 2021: Analysis of a National Survey,” provides an initial analysis of key program design features of Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs and compares results to NLIHC’s ERA program-tracking database as well as results from the three organizations’ previous survey in the fall of 2020. The survey took place in April 2021, and the results reflect key program design features of early implementers of the Treasury ERA program. Two additional rounds of surveys will help to better understand how programs adapt and change and how different program features translate to outcomes.
Analysis of the survey revealed several common themes and program-design features:
- Programs commonly required tenants to provide documentation for their income. Certain documentation requirements make it difficult to get vital ERA to tenants most in need.
- Programs reported higher rates of self-attestation and direct-to-tenant assistance in the survey compared to data gathered in NLIHC’s ERA database. These findings suggest that programs need to be more transparent about their policies.
- Program administrators identified staff capacity and technology as key challenges to program implementation.
- More than half of program administrators indicated they aimed to advance racial equity in their programs.
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Sign-Up Reminder: American Rescue Plan's
Major Tax Relief for Families with Children
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Raising kids can be expensive, and the Child Tax Credit is here to help. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan increased the amount of the 2021 Child Tax Credit to support families with children. The full benefit of the Child Tax Credit is now $300 per month per child under age 6 and $250 for each child age 6 to 17.
Additional Resources:
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Black Homeownership Collaborative Sets 7-Point Plan
to Enable 3M New Homeowners by End of Decade
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The following update was shared by National Housing Conference president and CEO, David M. Dworkin:
On Friday, June 18, the first federal Juneteenth holiday, members of the Black Homeownership Collaborative joined HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge; Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) at Cleveland State University to launch the 3 by 30 initiative, a 7-point plan to sustainably create 3 million net new Black homeowners by 2030.
The Black Homeownership Collaborative identified seven areas requiring attention to make its goal possible within nine years: 1) homeownership counseling; 2) down payment assistance; 3) housing production; 4) credit and lending; 5) civil and consumer rights; 6) homeownership sustainability and 7) marketing and outreach. Among the actions called for are increased funding for housing counseling services, a targeted down payment assistance program, and restoration of all legal doctrines and provisions of law that address systemic discriminatory policies. The Black Homeownership Collaborative is led by a steering committee of executives from the Mortgage Bankers Association, NAACP, National Association of REALTORS®, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, National Fair Housing Alliance, National Housing Conference and National Urban League with the support of research from the Urban Institute.
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NJCDD's Common Ground:
Understanding Compassion Fatigue
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Learn about the signs and symptoms of Compassion Fatigue and what you can do to prevent it or manage it when it does occur.
Professionals in helping roles forget that they’re vulnerable. They’re trained to be empathic but at the same time to put their own emotions aside.
- Make Self-care Part of a Routine
Good self-care means developing a routine that makes each day predictable and that includes adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, physical activity, relaxation and socializing.
- Examine Beliefs About Self-care
Self care needs to be legitimate and real. Some caring professionals have internalized strident work ethics, and view self-care as selfish. As a result, they tend to be “always on,” worrying about work on a day off.
During the pandemic, caring professionals are experiencing the same hard time as their patients or students. Worries about safety, uncertainty, financial concerns and disrupted routines increase stress. It’s important that they recognize their own susceptibilities and respect their own humanity, and be willing to seek help early, before symptoms of compassion fatigue become debilitating.
Connecting with like-minded others is another strategy that can help prevent compassion fatigue. We tend to be a a very “mind-your-own business” culture, and reward independence and self-reliance over community.
Having and working with trusted colleagues can provide benefits for all. Get yourself a self-care buddy. Give each other permission to point out potential problems
- Focus on Compassion Satisfaction
Compassion Satisfaction is the polar opposite of Compassion Fatigue. It’s the felt celebration of being able to help others, and focus on the wins.
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Hoboken Housing Authority Wait List Opening June 28th |
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The Hoboken Housing Authority waiting list for Public Housing and RAD PBV at Fox Hill will open for 15 days starting June 28th, 2021 at 8am. The applications will be online only and can be found at www.myhhanj.com/apply (note: link will not work until application is available). Veterans and spouses of deceased veterans will get the first preference.
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Camden County Announces Round II
of Assistance to Help Renters Avoid Eviction
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A website, www.camdenrentgrant.com, has been set up or residents may call 856-389-6704 to begin the process of applying for this second round of aid. Assistance goes directly to landlords, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The money will help renters who are as much as 12 months behind on rent and utilities to stay in their homes, said Camden County Commissioner Al Dyer, and includes assistance for internet access — vital for those who have students at home learning remotely, or those who have or are seeking work-from-home employment.
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Utility Moratorium Ends July 1st,
Grace Period Until December 31st
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The State is ending its COVID-19 related moratorium on utility shutoffs as of July 1st with a grace period running through December 31st.
During the grace period, people with unpaid utility bills will be protected from shutoffs and can enroll in payment assistance plans.
No one will face disconnection of their gas, electric or water service before the end of Dec. 31 2021,” Governor Murphy said at his daily COVID-19 press briefing.
The statewide Moratorium on Utility Shutoffs Ends July 1st, With a Grace Period Running Through December 31, 2021. Eligibility requirements for many programs have been expanded this year and the best way to know what someone might qualify for is to apply. If COVID-19 has affected someone’s income or employment, they may be newly eligible for assistance.
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Resources & Virtual Forums |
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National Council for Mental Wellbeing Webinar
Pride Month: Clinical Practices and
Policies for the LGBTQ+ Community
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Friday, June 25, 2021 | 2:30-3:30PM ET
In celebrating Pride Month, National Council and our partners will be sharing the most up-to-date information on clinical practices and policies for the LGBTQ+ community! Learn how COVID-19 has impacted LGBTQ+ persons’ mental health and substance use conditions from organizations that are increasing access to mental health and substance use care for LGBTQ+ individuals and informing the public on ways to strengthen care through policy.
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SHA and Partners Sponsor Webinar on Aging Supports
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Tuesday, June 29, 2021 | 2:00 - 4:00PM ET
Join our webinar on June 29th to reflect on lessons learned over the past year and to discuss emerging home and community-based services that enable older adult residents to age in the community. This meeting will also explore how strategic partnerships can expand the knowledge of housing and service navigators, consumers and their caregivers on community-based, long-term care choices like Programs for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) a.k.a. LIFE and the N.J. Assisted Living Program.
This event is hosted by Capital Impact Partners and sponsored by LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware, The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, and Corporation for Supportive Housing. It is made possible through generous support from The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation.
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Brunch for the Brain Webinar Series
Caregiver Isolation Before, During and After a Global Pandemic
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Brunch for the Brain Webinar Series
Third Wednesday Each Month Through December
Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | 12:00 PM ET
Isolation is something that many people encountered for the first time during the global pandemic. But the state of being isolated from friends, family, or even kind strangers is something older adults, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers have experienced for a very long time and will likely continue to experience long after the world fully reopens.
One way to prevent or minimize isolation, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation, is to increase access to Home & Community Based Services (HCBS). By making sure the people in our communities who are most vulnerable to isolation get the regular interaction, care, and engagement we all need to thrive as human beings.
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There are many great ways of supporting SHA: Join as a member, send donations, or shop with AmazonSmile. Thank you for your support!
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Want all the member benefits with SHA? Visit our website or contact Joseph Christensen to apply or manage your membership.
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Members can post jobs to find applicants within the wider supportive housing community. Click on the button to visit our job page.
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Diane Riley, Executive Director
Joseph Christensen, Membership & Communication Manager
Kate Kelly, MSW – Integrated Community Project Manager
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Advocate ● Educate ● Support
The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey unites its diverse coalition of members engaging development, resources, and information to sustain supportive housing systems within New Jersey. Since 1998, our statewide mission seeks to enhance lives and accessibility to enable independent living within our communities.
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Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
185 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
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