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Mayor's Message:
Homelessness is a National Crisis
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Dear Jazz,
There are those among us who struggle to find food and shelter daily. Keeping themselves protected and warm is a constant challenge. They are forced to seek refuge under train overpasses, on benches, under boxes, in tents, and constantly battle the elements. This week as it rained heavily throughout the area into the cold night, there were people in our community with nowhere to go – It is heartbreaking and troubling. However, this is not an isolated Plainfield problem. According to the Chamber of Commerce, over half a million people in the United States are homeless.
In the Capital City of Washington, DC, there were approximately 4400 documented homeless persons as of April 2022. Many live under tents in parks and streets very close to the Home of the President in the White House. On the other side of the country, 30% of the nation's homeless population lives in California. That's about 172,000 homeless people.
It is easy to judge these displaced persons without knowing how they ended up in such a desperate position. Contrary to the stereotypes that follow these individuals, many factors could result in someone losing their home - and the unfortunate reality is that it can happen to anyone. The reason behind homelessness can’t be blamed on any one thing but rather, in many instances, a series of unfortunate and unexpected curveballs.
Homelessness can be caused by uncontrollable factors such as illness or disability. Nearly a quarter of America’s homeless population suffers from mental illness. Sudden illness or disability can result in losing a job they need to pay rent and cover other necessities in addition to high-cost medical bills. We also cannot forget that PTSD makes those that served our country especially vulnerable. You may be shocked to learn that 40% of male homeless individuals are veterans.
Another cause can be any form of abuse, such as domestic violence, which leaves survivors nowhere to turn to when they attempt to escape their abusers. More than 90% of homeless women have experienced physical or sexual abuse during their lifetime. There, of course, can also be economic problems. Low-paying jobs, the rising cost of living, or unexpected termination can suddenly leave people facing evictions and foreclosures. Anything from natural disasters to divorce can cause significant changes in financial status and leave people without shelter. Lastly, one of the most common reasons someone may end up without a home is a lack of solid and reliable relationships. Family, friends, and community – the people we take for granted every day could be the only thing between us and a cold night on the streets.
I certainly do not have all the answers. Still, I know that a conversation about ending homelessness must include a conversation about mental illness, disabilities, violence against women, and access to community resources. It also requires compassion and understanding and a broader focus than a local perspective. Not only are you vulnerable to the elements when you are unhoused, but you can also become a victim of cruelty. Between 1999 and 2013, 1,657 homeless people fell victim to violent crime. Of those, 428 died. Most perpetrators of these horrific crimes were teenage boys. Teaching gratitude, kindness, and compassion to our children and practicing it ourselves is essential to whatever solutions are proposed.
I want us to have candid, realistic conversations about how we can tackle homelessness in our country. It is a national crisis and something that should have a more targeted federal response. The homeless community is often also nomadic; removing someone from the streets today does not preclude another person from coming to take their space.
Homelessness should be, at worst, a temporary circumstance, not a permanent condition. Being homeless once does not mean you will never know the warmth of a bed or the safety of a home again. There are organizations and kind-hearted people that work to get unhoused people back on track. Here is a Resource List from the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness.
Please share if you know someone who can benefit from these resources. We may not be able to help everyone, but helping one person can make a difference. Let’s focus on addressing the root causes of homelessness to effect real change for this vulnerable population.
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Mensaje Del Alcalde:
La Falta de Vivienda es Una Crisis Nacional
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Queridx Jazz,
Hay algunos entre nosotros que luchan por encontrar comida y refugio a diario. Mantenerse protegidos y calientes es un desafío constante. Se ven obligados a buscar refugio bajo los pasos elevados del tren, en los bancos, debajo de cajas, en las tiendas de campaña, y luchan constantemente contra los elementos. Esta semana, mientras llovía mucho en toda el área en la noche fría, había personas en nuestra comunidad sin ningún lugar a donde ir, es desgarrador y preocupante. Sin embargo, este no es un problema aislado de Plainfield. Según la Cámara de Comercio, más de medio millón de personas en los Estados Unidos no tienen hogar.
En la ciudad capital de Washington, DC, había aproximadamente 4400 personas sin hogar documentadas a partir de abril de 2022. Muchos viven bajo tiendas de campaña en parques y calles muy cerca de la Casa del Presidente en la Casa Blanca. En el otro lado del país, el 30% de la población sin hogar de la nación vive en California. Eso es alrededor de 172,000 personas sin hogar.
Es fácil juzgar a estas personas desplazadas sin saber cómo terminaron en una posición tan desesperada. Contrariamente a los estereotipos que siguen a estos individuos, muchos factores podrían resultar en que alguien pierda su hogar, y la desafortunada realidad es que le puede pasar a cualquiera. La razón detrás de la falta de vivienda no se puede atribuir a una sola cosa, sino más bien, en muchos casos, a una serie de curvas desafortunadas e inesperadas.
Algunas de las causas de la falta de vivienda pueden ser algo tan incontrolable como la enfermedad o la discapacidad. Casi una cuarta parte de la población sin hogar en los Estados Unidos sufre de enfermedades mentales. Una enfermedad o discapacidad repentina puede hacer que alguien pierda el trabajo que necesita para pagar el alquiler y otras necesidades además de las nuevas facturas médicas de alto costo. Tampoco podemos olvidar que el TEPT hace que aquellos que sirvieron a nuestro país sean especialmente vulnerables. Es posible que se sorprenda al saber que el 40% de los hombres sin hogar son veteranos.
Otra causa puede ser cualquier forma de abuso, como la violencia doméstica que no deja a las sobrevivientes a dónde recurrir cuando escapan de sus abusadores. Más del 90% de las mujeres sin hogar han sufrido alguna forma de abuso físico o sexual durante su vida. También podrían ser problemas económicos que dejaron a alguien sin hogar. Los empleos mal pagados, el aumento del precio de la vida, o el despido inesperado pueden hacer que las personas enfrenten desalojos y ejecuciones hipotecarias repentinamente. Cualquier cosa, desde desastres naturales hasta divorcios, puede causar cambios significativos en el estado financiero y dejar a las personas sin refugio. Por último, una de las razones más comunes por las que alguien puede terminar sin un hogar es la falta de relaciones sólidas y confiables. Familia, amigos, y comunidad: las personas que damos por sentado todos los días podrían ser lo único que se interponga entre nosotros y una noche fría en las calles.
Ciertamente no tengo todas las respuestas. Aún así, sé que una conversación sobre cómo terminar con la falta de vivienda debe incluir una conversación sobre enfermedades mentales, discapacidades, violencia contra las mujeres y acceso a recursos comunitarios. También requiere compasión y comprensión y un enfoque más amplio que una perspectiva local. No solo eres vulnerable a los elementos cuando no estás alojado, sino que también puedes convertirte en víctima de crueldad. Entre 1999 y 2013, 1,657 personas sin hogar fueron víctimas de delitos violentos. De ellos, 428 murieron. La mayoría de los perpetradores de estos horribles crímenes eran adolescentes. Enseñar gratitud, bondad y compasión a nuestros hijos y practicarla nosotros mismos es un componente esencial de cualquier solución que se proponga.
Quiero que tengamos conversaciones francas y realistas sobre cómo podemos abordar la falta de vivienda en nuestro país. Es una crisis nacional y algo que debería tener una respuesta federal más específica. La comunidad de personas sin hogar es a menudo también nómada; Sacar a alguien de las calles hoy no impide que otra persona venga a tomar su espacio.
La falta de vivienda es una circunstancia temporal, no una condición permanente. No es como si una vez que estuvieras sin hogar, nunca volverás a conocer el calor de una cama o la seguridad de un hogar. Hay organizaciones y personas de buen corazón que trabajan para que las personas sin hogar vuelvan a encarrilarse. Aquí hay una lista de recursos de la Coalición de Nueva Jersey para Terminar con la Falta de Vivienda.
Por favor, comparta si conoce a alguien que pueda beneficiarse de estos recursos. Es posible que no podamos ayudar a todos, pero ayudar a una persona puede marcar la diferencia. Centrémonos en abordar las causas fundamentales de la falta de vivienda para lograr un cambio real para esta población vulnerable.
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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From HERE's Queen City Pop-Up Shop
January 26, 2023
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On Thursday, January 26th, From HERE: Workspaces hosted The Queen City Pop-Up Shop in collaboration with the Plainfield Special Improvement District.
108 Watchung Avenue was filled with over a dozen excited local business owners and many supportive Plainfield residents. A collection of everything from computer programmers to caterers to graphic artists and health specialists showcased a variety of businesses that are growing in the Queen City.
Attendees could purchase natural juice from Tribe & Vibe Collection, learn about the coding and English classes provided by Coding_In_English, taste some of the food made by Flavor Bliss Catering, buy comfortable luxury fashion accessories from Teddy Charles, get headshots from Limitless Visions, and much more! Some other featured businesses were: Frontline Safety Consultants, Hidden Gems Literary Emporium, NJ Printing & Embroidery LLC, Mopstix Cleaning Services, S&G Consulting Firm, Graphics by Naz, and Spirit of Excellence.
Showing support for our entrepreneurs were Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Council president Charles McRae, Councilman 1st and 4th Ward Barry Goode, Councilman 1st Ward Robert Graham, Chief of Staff Jazz Clayton-Hunt, as well as other members of the administration. It is safe to say that Plainfield's entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving!
from HERE is a co-working, collaborative workspace located in the heart of downtown Plainfield. It also provides a beautiful and functional venue to host corporate retreats, conferences, and other events. https://www.fromhere.today/
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Plainfield Center of Excellence
Final Community Engagement Report
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In Early 2022, The Economic Development Department Began The Community Engagement And Research Planning Process For The Plainfield Center For Excellence Project. The Proposed Space For The Center For Excellence Is The Former Plainfield YMCA Building At 518 Watchung Avenue, Also Known As Block 835 Lot 4.
The following sections of this report will address the methodology and findings of the community research conducted by the Planning Division in partnership with local Plainfield stakeholders. The goal of this report is to inform the program of activities for the design of the Plainfield Center for Excellence.
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CLICK IMAGE FOR ENGLISH & SPANISH | |
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Are you eligible for property tax relief? If you:
- Owned or rented your home on 10/1/19
- Meet income requirements
- File or are exempt from NJ income taxes
You may qualify for an ANCHOR benefit. Learn more: bit.ly/NJANCHOR
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Do You Know What's Happening in your City?
Click the Image below and take a look at Plainfield's Latest City Events, Community Resources, and so much more!
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Check out our City's Commercial:
"Welcome to Plainfield"
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¿ How Do You Show Love for Plainfield? | |
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Watch our 2022 Love PlainfieldCommercial!
" The Queen City is Love"
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2022 Fall Newsletter
"Where We Were. Where We Are. Where We're Going."
Click the image to read it virtually!
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A MESSAGE FROM
UNION COUNTY:
Celebrate Black History Month in Union County with Poetry and Music by Langston and Beethoven
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In celebration of Black History Month 2023, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present Langston & Beethoven: Black & Proud, a free evening of poetry and music exploring the life and times of the poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes featuring WQXR Radio host Terrance McKnight on Tuesday, January 31, at 7:00 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.
The annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award will also be presented at the event.
Langston & Beethoven: Black & Proud is free of charge but seats must be reserved in advance. To reserve online visit ucnj.org/black-history-month.
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
Film Production in New Jersey Once Again Smashes Record
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Spending on film and television production exceeds $650 million for 2022
LOS ANGELES – Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission announced today that overall in-state production spending from filmmaking exceeded $650 million dollars in 2022, besting the previous record of $500 million set for 2021. The announcement came at the outset of a series of meetings in California between Governor Murphy and the film, TV, and technology industries.
The record spending followed a busy year that saw a surge in production after Thanksgiving. In addition, motion picture, television and streaming productions in the state created over 8,500 jobs in 2022. That number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as several major studios finish construction.
“Following my reinstatement of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program and game-changing investments in our rapidly expanding film and television industries, production has exploded in the past four years as more people learn what New Jersey has to offer,” said Governor Murphy. “This huge growth has fueled thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents while providing economic benefit to our towns and cities.”
Total production spending in New Jersey has surged since 2018, when Governor Murphy reinstated the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program. The program, which was expanded in 2021, has made New Jersey a major filming hub on the east coast.
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE WHITE HOUSE:
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Protect Renters and Promote Rental Affordability
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Administration also launches Resident-Centered Housing Challenge, a call-to-action to improve the quality of life for renters
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new actions to increase fairness in the rental market and further principles of fair housing. These actions align with a new Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights that the Administration is also releasing today. The Blueprint lays out a set of principles to drive action by the federal government, state and local partners, and the private sector to strengthen tenant protections and encourage rental affordability. Key actions announced today include:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), both independent agencies, announced they will collect information to identify practices that unfairly prevent applicants and tenants from accessing or staying in housing in order to inform enforcement and policy actions under each agency’s jurisdiction. This is the first time the FTC has issued a request for information exploring unfair practices in the rental market. The two agencies will seek information on a broad range of practices that affect the rental market, including the creation and use of tenant background checks, the use of algorithms in tenant screenings, the provision of adverse action notices by landlords and property management companies, and how an applicant’s source of income factors into housing decisions.
- The CFPB announced it will issue guidance and coordinate enforcement efforts with the FTC to ensure accurate information in the credit reporting system and to hold background check companies accountable for having unreasonable procedures.
- The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), an independent agency, announced it will launch a new public process to examine proposed actions promoting renter protections and limits on egregious rent increases for future investments. FHFA will maintain transparency throughout the process and provide periodic updates, including one within 6 months, to interested stakeholders. As announced in November, the FHFA will also increase affordability in the multifamily rental market by establishing requirements that encourage the financing of multifamily loans that guarantee affordable housing. In 2022, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae purchased a combined $142 billion in multifamily loans supporting over one million units. If the same activity holds in 2023, this would mean an investment in approximately 700,000 affordable units.
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HELP US TAKE CARE OF OUR CITY!
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT- IT APP
Available in IOS and Android Mobile Phones
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Exercise your civic duty-- be the eyes and ears of our City! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in our Plainfield community. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with ReportIt. | |
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Use the app, or text
reportit to 63975
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in our city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode above or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate City department to be resolved.
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Sign up for our weekly newsletter and stay informed on the latest projects, and events around our Queen City!
Call us at: 908.753.3015 or
E:communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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|THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD NJ|
515 WATCHUNG AVENUE | 908-753-3310| MONDAY-FRIDAY | 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.|
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future. | | | | |
