In this Week's Edition
News
Dept. Of Health And Human Services Extends
Public Health Emergency Another 90 Days
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Sign On Opportunity
Help Support Robust Funding
For HOME Program
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Website Redesign Enhances
Features & Accessibility For Disability Benefits
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NJDHS Awards Funding For Recovery & Accessibility For Deaf & Hard Of Hearing
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New Research On Effects
of Concentrated LIHTC Development
On Surrounding House Prices
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Homelessness And Housing Insecurity
On The Rise For Aging Population
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Neurodiverse Housing Community
And Supports Survey
Survey Ends April 30th
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School-Based Youth Services
Program 35th Anniversary
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Ida - Road To Wellness Free Events
Resources & Virtual Forums
NJCDD Webinar:
Self-Directed Services
and the Role of the Supports Broker
April 19, 2022
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New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus
Topic: Access To Healthcare
April 26, 2022
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NJCDD Succession And
Care Planning Webinar
April 30, 2022
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Boggs Center Spring 2022
Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series
April - May 2022
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IRP Development Workshop
May 3, 2022
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Next SHA
Developers Meeting
Next SHA
Members Meeting
(New Date)
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HCDNNJ
Healthy Homes & Communities Summit Online
April 29, 2022 | 9am-1:30pm
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Abilities Expo
April 29-May 1, 2022
NJ Convention & Expo Ctr
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CHLP Law and
Disability Conference
Thursday, May 5, 2022
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LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware
May 31 - June 2, 2022
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NJAAW
24th Annual Conference
June 13, 2022
New Brunswick.
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Check the New
Housing Available in:
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SHA Welcomes New & Returning
Members In 2022
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Dept. Of Health And Human Services Extends
Public Health Emergency Another 90 Days
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The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the extension of the national public health emergency for at least three more months. The public health emergency had been first declared in January 2020, and has been renewed each quarter since. The previous extension of the public health emergency was set to expire this week on April 16th, but has now been extended until at least July.
The renewal of the public health emergency will allow certain measures to stay in place such as expanded access to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), expanded access to telehealth services, and other flexibilities.
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Sign On Opportunity
Help Support Robust Funding For HOME Program
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Enterprise Community Partners is inviting national, state, and local organizations, now including SHA-NJ, to sign on to a letter from the HOME Coalition, urging Congress to provide $2.5 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development's HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. For nearly three decades, HOME has been one of the most effective and flexible tools for states and localities to meet their affordable housing needs, including production and preservation of rental homes, single-family home construction, homeowner rehabilitation, and tenant-based rental assistance.
Since 1992, the HOME program has created more than 1.34 million affordable homes and helped provide direct rental assistance to 403,281 low-income families. In addition to this extensive impact, the HOME program is also cost effective. According to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data, each HOME dollar leverages nearly $5 in other public and private resources. The HOME funds frequently provide critical gap financing for rental housing projects funded by other federal, state, or local entities. This investment has supported an estimated 1.95 million jobs and generated $128 billion in local economic impact.
As we continue to navigate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the nation’s housing market, along with the need for additional affordable units that has been climbing for decades and rising inflation driven by the high cost of housing, we need HOME more than ever. Support from national, state, and local organizations for this funding is essential in communicating the importance of strong funding for the HOME program to Congress.
Please sign on by April 22nd to voice your support for robust funding for the HOME Program.
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Website Redesign Enhances
Features & Accessibility For Disability Benefits
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EAST HANOVER, N.J. -- The World Institute on Disability (WID) and the Kessler Foundation, are pleased to announce the release of the redesigned New Jersey Disability Benefits 101 (NJ DB101) website. The new design site features upgrades in function, appearance, and accessibility enhancements. An early version of NJDB101 was initially launched and funded by the New Jersey Division of Disability Services in 2007.
Disability Benefits 101, a project of WID, provides tools and information on employment, health coverage, and benefits for ten states, including New Jersey. Kessler Foundation was instrumental in providing funds for the renewed state-specific website design.
The modified website highlights upgrades for easier navigation and accessibility from all types of devices.
The site's new navigational structure guides users quickly to the most highly relevant content for their situation such as, "What Benefits Do I Get?" or "Benefits Planning Estimators." Users can now also customize and save frequently used content as favorites.
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NJDHS Awards Funding For Recovery
& Accessibility For Deaf & Hard Of Hearing
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(TRENTON) – As part of the state’s ongoing response to the opioid crisis, Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced the Department has awarded grants to organizations in nine counties to establish Community Peer Recovery Centers (CPRC). CPRCs provide a safe space where individuals recovering from substance use disorder can receive information about substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services. Currently, there are 10 counties that have already received this funding. The grants announced will expand CPRCs to the following counties: Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset.
The New Jersey 2018 Substance Abuse Overview indicated heroin and other opiates were the primary drugs in 50 percent of treatment admissions, with 44 percent due to heroin. According to the 2018 Treatment Episode Data Set, New Jersey is fifth in the nation for primary heroin admissions for persons aged 12 and older and seventh in the nation for other opiates.
The grants are funded with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) State Opioid Response to Grants funding.
The purpose of CPRCs is to provide an environment where individuals can access peer support, information about substance use disorder treatment, recovery support services and information about other community resources in a supportive substance free environment.
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Accessibility Awards For Deaf & Hard Of Hearing
(TRENTON) – Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced the Department has awarded $944,000 in total grants to 13 counties to improve communication and language access to county services for deaf and hard of hearing residents. The program is supported by Human Services’ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH).
Understanding the importance of communication and language access, Human Services has also worked to expand digital access for all through a wireless pilot program that provides eligible deaf and hard of hearing residents with a free tablet or smartphone.
Human Services has also increased reimbursement rates for hearing aids through DDHH’s Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program, and enhanced the Equipment Distribution Program which ensures New Jersey residents with hearing loss have access to telecommunications and visual alerting home safety equipment.
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New Research On Effects of Concentrated LIHTC Development On Surrounding House Prices
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New research co-authored by Enterprise Community Partners VP for Policy Development Andrew Jakabovics explores the effects of subsequent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) financed properties (multiple Housing Credit properties in close proximity to each other) over time on the price of surrounding single-family homes. Analyzing data from Chicago-area neighborhoods, the research finds that the development of subsequent Housing Credit properties within a community has positive effects on nearby single-family homes prices. The research also finds that the positive effects are long lasting and are most significant in low-income communities but are also present in more affluent areas. Similarly, these impacts are consistently positive in communities with both higher and lower percentages of Black residents. These findings alleviate concerns about bringing more Housing Credit properties into low-income communities of color and indicate that continued investment in Housing Credit properties can play a critical role in neighborhood revitalization strategies.
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Homelessness And Housing Insecurity
On The Rise For Aging Population
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As covered by the Associated Press, housing struggles for aging generations is on the rise as many retire with few options. Academics project that the numbers of retired people lacking housing will nearly triple over the next decade, challenging policy makers from Los Angeles to New York to imagine new ideas for sheltering the last of the baby boomers as they get older, sicker and less able to pay spiraling rents. Advocates say much more housing is needed, especially for extremely low-income people.
Working with partners at CSH who have studied New Jersey's Needs Assessment on Senior Disability and Capital Impact Partners as well as NJAAW and other stakeholders, these news reports highlight the urgent needs to prepare and address the housing needs of many Baby Boomers and future generations as they age in our state.
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Neurodiverse Housing Community And Supports Survey
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A new addition to the SHA Member Community, Parents with a Plan, a NJ based 501c3, recently hosted a zoom survey session with national housing expert Desiree Kameka of Neuro-Inclusive Housing Solutions. They are seeking your help to inform future decisions on building an inclusive apartment community in New Jersey for adults with and without disabilities. Please take and share this survey with anyone you feel would benefit from supportive housing. Please provide all responses before April 30th.
Additional details on the Neuro-Inclusive Housing Solutions presentation recording and information are also available at the above link. Parents With A Plan hired Neuro-Inclusive Housing Solutions (NIHS) to help conduct a market analysis in order to plan for the physical features and supportive amenities that can make housing more accessible to the neurodiverse population.
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School-Based Youth Services Program 35th Anniversary
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The New Jersey Community Development Corporation, Preferred Behavioral Health Group, and Family Connections, along with NJAMHAA and School Based United, a consortium of SBYSP Directors from across the state, invite you to a 35th Anniversary Celebration of the SBYSP, created by the New Jersey Department of Human Services in 1987.
This milestone is a perfect time to celebrate the impact of this award-winning initiative, and hear from many different stakeholders who have embraced the program—including students, parents, providers, legislators, and others. Senator Vin Gopal is a confirmed speaker and Commissioner Beyer is planning to kick off the event.
The work that the many SBYSPs have done to support our students, families, and school districts across the state throughout the pandemic has been monumental – we will be celebrating this work as well! We are excited that Ed Tetelman, the “father” of the program largely responsible for its launch in 1987, will be joining us for this celebration.
This event will be held virtually on the zoom platform starting at 4:00 pm on April 27th.
(929-205-6099; meeting ID: 826 5637 2067; Passcode: 795648).
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Ida - Road To Wellness Free Events
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Call (833) 432-2188 to request a
FREE virtual or in-person wellness event!
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The grants supporting these free events will conclude later this year. Take this opportunity to help your team get on the Road to Wellness. For additional information on presentations at your organization, you can contact Irena Guberman, Ed.M., LPC, NCC
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Resources & Virtual Forums
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NJCDD Webinar:
Self-Directed Services
and the Role of the Supports Broker
Cohosted with Morris County Special Needs Parents Group
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Tuesday, April 19, 2022 | 7:00 PM
The Morris County Special Needs Parents Group and the Regional Family Support Planning Council #1 (Morris, Sussex and Warren) cordially invite you to join this informative session.
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New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus
Topic: Access To Healthcare
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The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD), the lead advocacy organization supporting the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus, is pleased to announce that Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, Senator Anthony Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn will serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Disability Caucus for the 2022-2023 Legislative Session. All four lawmakers were founding members of the Caucus that launched last year.
The New Jersey Disability Caucus is a bipartisan forum within the New Jersey Legislature comprised of lawmakers committed to promoting inclusion by considering the impact on the disability community when shaping ALL public policies in the Garden State. The quarterly meetings of the Caucus aim to increase awareness and provide lawmakers and their staff with a greater understanding of the complexities of the disabilities service system and issues impacting individuals with disabilities and their families.
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NJCDD Succession And Care Planning Webinar
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Saturday, April 30, 2022 | 10:00 AM
We are delighted to welcome a knowledgeable speaker, Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey, Inc. (PLAN/NJ). PLAN/NJ is a non-profit advocacy organization that provides families with information and assistance to guide them through the succession planning process.
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Boggs Center Spring 2022
Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series
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SPRING 2022 SESSIONS
Friday, April 22, 2022 l 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM l Webinar
Neurodiversity, Self-Advocacy, and Self-Determination
Friday, May 13, 2022 l 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM l Webinar
Acknowledging and Fostering the Critical Role of Support Coordinators
The Spring 2022 Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series will be held on the Zoom Webinar platform. The webinars are free of charge. Space is limited for each of the sessions. Open to people who live or work in New Jersey.
To access the webinars, you must register in advance on The Boggs Center Online Registration System.
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Tuesday May 3rd, 9:30 am
The Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP) is offering an Individualized Rehabilitation Plan (IRP) Development Workshop to CSS staff who develop and complete IRPs (e.g., licensed staff and RNs). Participants will meet with SHP CSS staff (Emilie, Shelley, and Earle) and other CSS staff who complete IRPs to ask for and receive feedback during the workshop.
This 2.5 hour workshop is designed for CSS staff who develop and submit plans to the IME. Workshop participants must bring a de-identified IRP in development or have previously been submitted and received feedback but are not currently on hold to discuss and review. This will be entirely practice-based, and participants must be willing to bring a de-identified plan and provide feedback to others. Participants will work in small groups led by a SHP CSS staff. Each participant will present their plan, ask questions, and receive feedback and suggestions from those in their group. CSS programs should limit registration to 1 to 2 staff.
The CSS IRP Development Workshop will be remote and held live through Zoom on Tuesday May 3rd, 9:30 am until 12:00 pm. Space is limited, so licensed staff and RN’s should register as soon as possible. Registration information must be for the staff attending the training.
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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
Kate Leahy, Housing Navigator 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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