In this Week's Edition
News
HUD Publishes Requirements for 70,000 Emergency Housing Vouchers and Allocations
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Treasury Adds $21 Billion in Rental Assistance
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US Treasury Opens Portal and Issues Guidance for State and Local Recovery Fund
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FCC Now Accepting Applications for
Internet Subsidies for Low-Income Households
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Upcoming NOFA for Youth Homelessness
Demonstration Program Funds
Department of Education Allocates
$800 Million to Support Students
Experiencing Homelessness
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HUD and HHS Secretaries Announce Effort to Increase Access to COVID-19 Vaccinations
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PolicyLink Resource on Racial Equity
and American Rescue Plan
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DDD Updates:
New Housing Subsidy Form and Process
Resource Team Bridging
Transitions Into Community Life
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NJ Human Services Receives
$22.6M Federal Grant for
COVID-related Mental Health Services
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NJ 211 Coordinating Free Rides to Vaccines
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Essex County Opening Applications for
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
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Gov. Murphy Signs Bill on State
Task Force to Promote Employment by
State Agencies of People with Disabilities
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April 2021 Jobs Report Shows Signs of
Labor Recovery for Disability Employment
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Affordable Housing Alliance Highlights Utility Assistance Week with NJ Board of Public Utilities in Monmouth
Resources & Virtual Forums
Emergency Housing Vouchers Webinar Series
May and June 2021
May 18 - June 1, 2021
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New NJHMFA Webinars
in Middlesex and Monmouth
The Road Home New Jersey for Homebuyers
May 18 - May 20, 2021
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Foothold Technology Webinar
Integrating Alternative Payment
Models in I/DD Services
May 20, 2021
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NJHMFA 2021 Spring Tax Credit
Compliance with Fair Housing Training
May 20-21, 2021
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Two Center for Non-Profits Events for
Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
May 25 - June 3, 2021
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Next SHA
Members Meeting
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Next SHA
Developers Meeting
1:00–3:00PM via Zoom
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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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A shout out to Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services as they are teaming up with Genesis Cos. following the groundbreaking of a new senior supportive housing building in East Orange. Bridgeway will provide supportive services to the 60-unit development of very-low, low, and moderate income apartments.
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SHA Welcomes New Members In 2021 |
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HUD Publishes Requirements for 70,000
Emergency Housing Vouchers and Allocations
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On May 5, 2021, the Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published PIH Notice 2021-15: Emergency Housing Vouchers – Operating Requirements, which outlines the requirements for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) who will be invited to administer approximately 70,000 vouchers nation-wide. These vouchers are a strategic investment of $5 billion funded as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provides over $1.9 trillion in relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, public health, State and local governments, individuals, and businesses. The eligible populations for the Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) are individuals and families who are:
- Homeless
- At-risk of Homelessness
- Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking
- Recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness or having high risk of housing instability, including clients in rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs
These vouchers represent an exciting opportunity for collaboration between Continuums of Care (CoC) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) providers and local PHAs. PHAs must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with their local partners to receive referrals for the Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) from local Coordinated Entry System. HUD expects local communities, including the CoC and PHA, to work together to ensure that these resources are targeted to those with the most need in the community and to work together to ensure that these voucher holders are successfully housed and receive needed supportive services to maintain their housing. These collaborations should be grounded in equity, ensuring that these resources help address the overrepresentation of people of color in the homeless system. Additional resources for addressing equity in homelessness are available at the Racial Equity and Homelessness page on the HUD Exchange.
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Treasury Adds $21 Billion in Rental Assistance |
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In addition to this financial support, Treasury issued updated, strengthened guidance to expedite funds to renters and target those most severely in need of assistance. For example, the guidance makes clear that the $21.6 billion of emergency rental assistance made available through this program must be offered directly to renters when landlords do not accept direct payment. The guidance also reduces burdensome documentation requirements and wait times that can slow down assistance.
This infusion of additional support will benefit both renters and landlords and make sure states and localities that have moved quickly to address housing affordability challenges wrought by the public health emergency and its negative economic impacts in their areas will continue to have the resources they need to serve their communities.
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US Treasury Opens Portal and Issues Guidance
for State and Local Recovery Fund
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On May 10th, the U.S. Department of Treasury released guidance for the State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), which was established under the American Rescue Plan Act. The Recovery Fund includes $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America, as well as other crucial investments for local communities. New Jersey has been allocated $1,827,756,800 dollars from the recovery fund.
Additionally, the U.S. Treasury opened the new portal through which counties must apply to receive Fiscal Recovery Funds.
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FCC Now Accepting Applications for
Internet Subsidies for Low-Income Households
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The Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary FCC program now accepting applications to help families and households struggling to afford broadband internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Up to $50/month discount for broadband service;
- Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands; and
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who is Eligible?
A household is eligible if a member of the household:
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Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
- Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020;
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program; or
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If the household has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
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Upcoming NOFA for Youth Homelessness
Demonstration Program Funds
Department of Education Allocates $800 Million
to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness
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Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program
Launched in 2016, HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) has competitively awarded three rounds of funding to 43 communities who are working to create a systemic response to prevent and end youth homelessness. In 2021, HUD will release a new Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for up to 50 communities, including at least 8 rural sites, under YHDP.
HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) recognizes that preparing to apply for the YHDP NOFA requires dedicated leadership, youth with lived experience support, and local capacity to effectively plan and submit a competitive application. SNAPS is excited that for many communities—including those not awarded—that the process of planning is beneficial to accelerating, or in some communities kick-starting, local efforts to prevent and end homelessness for youth.
Department of Education Allocates $800 Million
to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness
On Friday, April 23, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced plans to distribute $800 million to help support the needs of students experiencing homelessness under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. These funds are being released in two disbursements – $200 million was released on Monday, April 26, 2021, and an additional $600 million will be released as soon as June 2021. A list of total State allocations is available on ED's website. New Jersey is due to receive $18,109,524 in its Total ARP Homeless Allocation with $4,527,381 as the ARP Homeless I (April allocation).
The funds awarded under ARP can be used to facilitate the identification, enrollment, retention, and educational success of homeless children and youth, including:
- Providing wraparound services (which could be provided in collaboration with and/or through contracts with community-based organizations, and could include academic supports, trauma-informed care, social-emotional support, and mental health services)
- Purchasing needed supplies (e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE), eyeglasses, school supplies, personal care items)
- Providing access to reliable, high-speed internet for students through the purchase of internet-connected devices/equipment, mobile hotspots, wireless service plans, or installation of Community Wi-Fi Hotspots (e.g., at homeless shelters), especially in underserved communities
- Paying for short-term, temporary housing (e.g., a few days in a motel) when such emergency housing is the only reasonable option for COVID-safe temporary housing and when necessary to enable the homeless child or youth to attend school and participate fully in school activities (including summer school)
Additionally, these funds can be used for community-based organizations that are well-positioned to identify youth from historically underserved populations, including rural children and youth, Tribal children and youth, students of color, children and youth with disabilities, English learners, LGBTQ+ youth, and pregnant, parenting, or caregiving students, to educationally related supports and services.
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HUD and HHS Secretaries Announce Effort
to Increase Access to COVID-19 Vaccinations
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On May 5, 2021, HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge and U.S. Health and Human Service (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced a joint-agency effort to increase access to COVID-19 prevention and treatment services, including testing and vaccinations, among disproportionately affected communities, including among HUD-assisted households and people experiencing homelessness. This effort will leverage the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program, which currently provides a direct supply of vaccines to nearly 800 health centers across the country. HUD and HHS expect the effort will reach over 6,000 multifamily housing properties, 6,700 homeless shelters, and approximately 7,500 public housing properties across the country to respond to and stop the spread of COVID-19.
For more information, read the following resources:
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PolicyLink Resource on Racial Equity
and American Rescue Plan
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With thanks to Enterprise for reporting, PolicyLink has released a new resource titled “10 Priorities for Advancing Racial Equity Through the American Rescue Plan.” The resource aims to help city and county policymakers deploy federal funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) equitably, efficiently and strategically. It offers 10 priorities for advancing racial equity, along with an equity worksheet, to provide city and county officials with a framework for equitable decision-making around ARP spending and investments. The guide calls for engaging historically underserved communities in prioritizing investments; investing in frontline, Covid-impacted and disinvested communities; and preventing displacement and increasing community ownership of land and housing, among other priorities. Additionally, the resource points out that advancing racial equity through the ARP funds would align with and support the Biden-Harris Administration’s executive orders to address racial equity in the U.S.
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The following highlights were reviewed by Jonathan Seifried, Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities, during today's COVID-19 webinar. Additionally, slides and a recording will be available soon on the DHS COVID-19 webpage here: https://nj.gov/humanservices/coronavirus.html
New Housing Subsidy Form and Process
The Division’s Housing Unit is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a new streamlined process to request a housing subsidy. Details will be communicated soon.
- The current multi-step process and submission of forms is being condensed into a single Housing Subsidy Program Eligibility Determination Form.
- Completed forms will be submitted through a dedicated DDD Housing Subsidy email, and review and response will be completed within ten days.
- In collaboration with the Community Living Project (CLEP), the Housing Subsidy Unit is conducting a webinar on May 18th to talk about the DDD Housing Subsidy program and the new process. See link below:
12:00 – 1:00 pm and will be presented by DDD staff.
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DDD Resource Team
The Resource Team is designed to bridge the transition for individuals, eligible for people who are moving from developmental centers to community residences. Support is provided to enhance skill levels through group trainings and individualized clinical consultation.
Supports are provided by clinical experts in three specific areas:
· Behavior Support Services provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts
· Physical Nutritional Management provided by Licensed Speech Language Pathologists
· Preventative/Management Nursing Strategies
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NJ Human Services Receives $22.6M Federal Grant
for COVID-related Mental Health Services
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The following services are a sample of those to be funded through this grant:
- Early Serious Mental Illness (ESMI) Programs: New Jersey will add three new programs to the existing three to serve individuals with first episode psychosis: $2.67 million.
- ESMI Community Integration Programs: DMHAS will be developing six ESMI Community Integration Programs that will provide treatment and supports to individuals after they complete the ESMI program: $2.34 million.
- Crisis Receiving and Stabilization: DMHAS will create four Crisis Receiving and Stabilization programs in the community to provide 24/7 community access to crisis diversion, stabilization, and linkages to services and housing supports. The goal is to have at least once Crisis Receiving and Stabilization program per region: $6.1 million.
- Emergency Room Diversion: DMHAS will create nine programs to serve individuals who frequent the emergency departments. This program will provide care management services, providing support and connecting individuals to needed services to reduce the reliance on emergency services: $4.94 million.
- Legal Assistance with Evictions and Housing due to COVID/Housing Stability. The DMHAS will use funds to support housing stability to avert homelessness through evictions. The resources will be used to enter into a contract with an agency that is staffed to provide landlord/tenant legal services to individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness facing eviction; $350,000.
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NJ 211 Coordinating Free Rides to Vaccines |
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NJ 211 is coordinating free rides to confirmed vaccine appointments through our United Way Worldwide Ride United and Lyft program. We currently have 9,550 free rides to disperse between now and July 2022. Free rides are available to and from confirmed vaccine appointment statewide, wherever Lyft operates. Use two options to arrange, get a Lyft code or have a NJ 211 Specialist arrange the ride for you. Individuals with foldable wheelchairs or walkers can be accommodated. There are no eligibility requirements other than a confirmed vaccine appointment and vaccine site.
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Essex County Opening Applications for
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
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According to county officials, there will be $15.4 million available. Renters or landlords who have been negatively impacted during the coronavirus pandemic and need help to pay rent or utility bills can apply for funds.
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Gov. Murphy Signs Bill on State Task Force to Promote Employment by State Agencies of People with Disabilities |
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Governor Murphy recently signed S-1937/A-1597 - sponsored by Senators Madden, Sweeney/Mejia, and Assemblywomen Timberlake and Vainieri Huttle – Establishes a Task Force to Promote Employment by State Agencies of People with Disabilities. The bill passed both houses unanimously and is now signed into law. The bill takes effect immediately and the task force is required to be appointed within 90 days. The task force will issue a report a year after it convenes and each year after that.
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April 2021 Jobs Report Shows Signs of
Labor Recovery for Disability Employment
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Incremental gains in the economic indicators for people with and without disabilities are positive signs of economic recovery, according to the National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). The decline in COVID-19 cases, the increase in immunity in the U.S. population, and reopening in certain sectors, appear to be contributing to job gains.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 26.3 percent in April 2020 to 30.2 percent in April 2021 (up 14.8 percent or 3.9 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 63.2 percent in April 2020 to 71.9 percent in April 2021 (up 13.8 percent or 8.7 percentage points).
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 32.7 percent in April 2020 to 33.7 percent in April 2021 (up 3.1 percent or 1 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 73.6 percent in April 2020 to 76.2 percent in April 2021 (up 3.5 percent or 2.6 percentage points).
In April 2021, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,616,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.3 percent of the total 141,151,000 workers in the U.S.
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Affordable Housing Alliance Highlights Utility Assistance Week with NJ Board of Public Utilities in Monmouth |
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During the week of May 17th, the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) will be returning to in-person outreach across Monmouth County to highlight and support The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Utility Assistance Week. Working closely in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders throughout the state, the AHA team will be providing information on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) programs as well as accepting applications from those who qualify.
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Resources & Virtual Forums |
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Emergency Housing Vouchers Webinar Series
May and June 2021
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Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) represent an exciting opportunity for collaboration between Continuums of Care (CoCs) and local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). To help PHAs and CoCs prepare for these vouchers, HUD is hosting a series of webinars over the next few weeks. These webinars will highlight key elements of PIH Notice 2021-15: Emergency Housing Vouchers – Operating Requirements.
On May 10, 2021, HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) sent letters to 696 PHAs, inviting these PHAs to administer 70,000 EHVs. A list of PHAs invited to administer the vouchers is available at the Emergency Housing Vouchers page on HUD.gov.
Registration and Schedule
Participants must register for each webinar individually. To register, click the webinar titles to access each webinar registration page.
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May 18, 2021
3:00 - 4:30 PM EDT
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May 20, 2021
3:00 - 4:30 PM EDT
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May 25, 2021
3:00 - 4:30 PM EDT
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June 1, 2021
3:00 - 4:30 PM EDT
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Training Point of Contact
If you have any questions about the webinar series, please contact EHV@hud.gov.
Additional Information
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New NJHMFA Webinars in Gloucester and Hudson
The Road Home New Jersey for Homebuyers
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Looking to Buy Your First Home?
The Road Home New Jersey webinar series provides a roadmap for homebuyers in New Jersey to learn and ask questions about the home purchase process as well as available programs in the state and featured municipality. Join a panel of industry professionals who will discuss:
- $10,000 Down Payment Assistance Program for First-time Homebuyers
- Credit Impact and how to access your report
- Mortgage Lending Guidance
- Current Market Trends
- Housing Counseling
- Importance of Hiring a Realtor
- Importance of Using an Attorney
Registration is required for these virtual events.
Visit the NJHMFA website for more upcoming webinar dates at njhousing.gov
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Middlesex County
May 18, 2021 | 7:00-8:00 PM
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Monmouth County
May 20, 2021 | 7:00-8:00 PM
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Foothold Technology Webinar
Integrating Alternative Payment Models in I/DD Services
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Thursday, May 20, 2021 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Join Foothold Technology’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Elliot Massuda, for a roundtable discussion and interactive Q&A with industry thought leaders regarding Alternative Payment Models (APMs) in I/DD services. APMs have been a topic of interest in the disability community for quite some time. While fewer than 20% of the United States currently use some form of APM involving individuals with disabilities, pressure continues to grow for states to move toward these models.
What You'll Learn
- How the implementation of APMs will impact providers
- How you can position yourself to successfully be part of the transition to APMs
- Actionable steps for your organization’s approach to APMs, provided by industry thought leaders
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Save the Date! NJHMFA 2021 Spring Tax Credit
Compliance with Fair Housing Training
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May 20-21, 2021
The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency is pleased to sponsor a virtual two-day Tax Credit Compliance with Fair Housing Training on May 20-21, 2021.
Our Spring Tax Credit Compliance with Fair Housing Training is a two-day refresher course that may be more suitable for those who are already Tax Credit Certified.
Event Details
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Thursday, May 20 - Compliance Training
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Friday, May 21 - Compliance and Fair Housing Training
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Location: Virtual/online due to COVID-19 restrictions
Event Fees
Webinar with PDF printable Course Book: $75
Webinar with Course Book (hard copy) by mail: $100
Registration ends on April 30, 2021. Spots are limited.
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Two Center for Non-Profits Events for
Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
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Tuesday, May 25 | 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Yvette Murry of YRM Consulting and Keith Timko of the Support Center will lead this session on the necessary and sustained commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn how to keep going even through missteps and major challenges, celebrate victories along the way and explore the opportunities real inclusion can lead to. Bring your own questions and concerns for an open and meaningful conversation on how to incorporate anti-racism into every aspect of your organization.
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Thursday, June 3 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Non-profits are uniquely positioned to advance equity and anti-racism by advocating for public policies that will create systemic change.
Hear from the state’s leading advocates about how your organization can promote policies to make New Jersey more just and equitable for all residents.
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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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