Hello Friends, Residents, and Supporters,
This edition of the AHA's newsletter finds us in the midst of Spring, where we begin to look forward to the warm days of summer and quickly forget the frigid Winter that has just passed. Before we move past the cold completely, I’d like to take a moment to highlight the Code Blue season that should now be complete. When temperatures drop below freezing and conditions pose a threat to individuals who are experiencing a loss of housing, the AHA and a network of other agencies throughout the state help people obtain shelter. From November 2021 through March 2022, the AHA has helped place 60 individuals through the Code Blue program. While the subzero temperatures have subsided, people are still experiencing a loss of housing at an alarming rate and we encourage each of you to support our mission to help those in need.
One major piece of news from the past few weeks has been that the AHA was awarded a $150,000 Housing for Everyone grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank! The AHA was one of 33 organizations, selected from over 357 applicants, to receive a Housing for Everyone grant. Our aim with these funds will be to further assist residents in our housing access services that they need to succeed. This grant will also help expand the AHA’s capacity to engage with our residents, provide access to external service providers, ensure stability, and, in some cases, create pathways to homeownership. With the generous support of the TD Charitable Foundation, the AHA can expand our offerings and continue to be the resource our community needs.
On Tuesday, March 29th the Affordable Housing Alliance celebrated the completion of our collaboration with Coastal Habitat for Humanity. This project, taking place at our Springhouse residence, saw over 800 hours of volunteer work come together to turn an outdated single-family residence into a stunning, modern home. I encourage each and every one of you to take a look at some of the before and after photos that we’ve included below. It truly is amazing what can be accomplished with drive, determination, and community partners like Coastal Habitat for Humanity!
All the best,
Randi Moore, CEO
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Coastal Habitat for Humanity and the Affordable Housing Alliance Complete Another Collaboration in Eatontown, New Jersey |
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This past March, the Affordable Housing Alliance and Coastal Habitat for Humanity came together to celebrate an amazing collaborative project that led to the completion of the SpringHouse residence in Eatontown, NJ. Over 800 volunteer hours went into this single-family house that will now become a home to a growing young family. From the entire AHA, "Thank You!" to all of those who've worked so hard to transform this space. Take a look at some of the 'before-and-after' pictures below: |
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Through the unwavering dedication of a team of outstanding volunteers and support staff, a local family now has a place to call home. |
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The AHA Invites You To NeighborWorks Week 2022 |
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Held during the first full week of June, NeighborWorks Week is a time not only to give back to our communities but to also acknowledge the volunteers, business partners, and state and local leaders who stand with us to help those in need.
This year, the Affordable Housing Alliance will be joining volunteers from across the state at our Pinetree community on June 7th where we will be spending the day working on a variety of projects across the site. From revitalizing the playground to freshening up the library in the community center, the AHA will be investing our time and energy in beautifying a neighborhood just in time for summer.
If you were interested in joining the Affordable Housing Alliance this NeighborWorks Week, please use this sign-up sheet and keep an eye out for more info in the coming days. Can't make it out on June 7th? Don't stress! You can still support the AHA this NeighborWorks Week by 'donating' some items from our Amazon NeighborWorks Week Wish List! From shovels, brooms, and paintbrushes to ladders, wheelbarrows, and power washers, there are plenty of ways to show your support this volunteering season.
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The Annual AHA Golf Invitational |
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The Affordable Housing Alliance invites you to join us at our annual Golf Invitational on Monday, September 19th! We will be hosting guests at the beautiful Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune, NJ for a day of spirited golf, spectacular food, and so many unforgettable prizes including a trip to Super Bowl 57 in Arizona!
Sponsorship and Golfer packages are available across a variety of different support levels, and we are always ready and willing to work with you and your organization to find the right fit to support our mission.
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Housing Outreach Department |
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Affordable Units for Sale and Rent |
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Each month, the Affordable Housing Alliance shares some of the residences currently available within our network. Each of the units listed within will have certain financial factors that must be met in order to qualify, but with a variety of units across all of Monmouth County, chances are there will be an option that fits your needs!
For more information about available units be sure to visit our
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COVID-Related Rental Assistance is Still Available! |
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All across New Jersey, thousands of residents have received COVID-Related Rental Assistance to help them get through these challenging and unprecedented times. While these programs will continue for the foreseeable future, please keep in mind that assistance will only be available while funding lasts.
For more information or to apply, use the appropriate link below based on where you call home:
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Thanks to our partnership with the United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, the AHA’s free Financial Coaching program has been successful in helping residents increase their credit scores which have, in turn, strengthened their rental applications. If you are having difficulty securing a rental due to poor credit, please contact the AHA at (732) 389-2958 or visit our Financial Success Center to get started with Financial Coaching today!
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This quarter's Employee Spotlight for our Housing Department is Jerry Zucker. Jerry joined the AHA in June of 2020, and as one of our Senior Housing Counselors, he works closely with clients across a variety of disciplines. When not helping residents navigate the world of affordable housing, Jerry also works with other counselors and staff in training, mentoring, and assisting in their overall professional development.
Before joining the AHA, Jerry worked at another non-profit for several years, establishing and managing a credit counseling organization, before moving into the private sector. When he felt the desire to return to his non-profit roots, the Affordable Housing Alliance was a natural fit.
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of his work as a housing counselor, Jerry was quick to point to experiencing a client's joy and relief in the purchase of a new home or assisting a client so that they can maintain and remain in their current home. As is often the case, Jerry mentions that one of the more challenging aspects of his role is finding ways to overcome obstacles facing residents seeking assistance.
When he isn't solving residents' housing concerns, Jerry is an avid traveler with an ever-growing bucket list of destinations to visit. As a longtime Mets fan, Jerry has a good feeling about this year, even though he knows it's only April.
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Utility Assistance Department |
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Record Level of Utility Assistance Requests Sees The AHA Hit An All-Time High For Assistance Approvals
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Thanks to Legislative and Board of Public Utilities (BPU) changes, residents who have applied for utility assistance are now allowed a grace period to avoid shut-offs. This change has resulted in far fewer utility shut-offs than initially expected. That being said, the AHA has seen over 2,500 PAGE applications in March alone. The most EVER in a single month. On top of all those applications, the Utility team went through and approved over 1,700 PAGE Grants in the first quarter of 2022, more than any other year over that same timeframe. |
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Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) - The PAGE program is a state-funded utility assistance program that helps low to moderate-income families in New Jersey pay their utility bills. The program is designed to help families across the state of New Jersey who are facing economic hardship and are struggling to pay their electric and natural gas bills.
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Another member of this quarter's Employee Spotlight club is Luis Muniz, one of our Utility Department's Program Managers. In this role, Luis assists with the running of the AHA's LIHEAP and PAGE programs. From assisting residents with applications to guiding their files through the fund distribution process, Luis is so wholly qualified in these programs that he often facilitates training for other agencies and non-profits on the subject.
Luis joined the Affordable Housing Alliance from a career in IT; while at first, he saw this as only a temporary stop, it soon became clear that this was the area of employment for him. "The people’s gratitude, knowing you made a difference in their lives," he said when asked about what sealed the move. Luis's outlook is simple, "I think 'If that was my mom needing the help, how would I want her to be treated?' and from there the rest comes naturally."
When he isn't knee-deep in Utility Assistance, Luis is an avid traveler who likes a varied itinerary. From historical sights to Disney's many theme parks, Luis can find enjoyment anywhere adventure takes him. As a keen supporter of Barcelona, Luis has enjoyed much on-field success as a fan...his choice to follow the Minnesota Vikings though? Hasn't brought that much.
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Community Action Program (CAP) |
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Big Things Coming To Ocean County |
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The Affordable Housing Alliance has recently assumed responsibilities for the Coordinated Entry of Ocean County! This program will see the AHA assemble a team dedicated to assisting individuals and families experiencing a loss of housing throughout the county. Building off our years of experience in Monmouth County, the AHA is looking forward to being the go-to resource for all of Ocean's residents. |
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A HUGE 'Thank You!' Is In Order |
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A few days back the Affordable Housing Alliance received another AMAZING donation, this time from Bombas Socks! They've been keeping our feet warm this Spring, and we can't thank them enough for their generous contributions to our shelter. Bombas socks are always welcomed, and remember that for every pair purchased one pair is donated to organizations like ours! |
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While We Have You, If You Can... |
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When you give to the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA), you are helping us continue our more than 30+ year commitment to providing homes and services to individuals and families in the communities we live in. If you can, consider making a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Affordable Housing Alliance by
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COVID-19
The AHA is doing everything in our power to maintain service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on how we are keeping staff and guests safe click here!
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AFFORDABLE UNITS
FOR SALE
We know what you're looking for, from homes, to apartments to condos! To learn more about the affordable units the AHA has for sale/rent make sure to click here!
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in joining the AHA team? Want to give back to your community? We thought so! Go ahead and click here to learn about all of our great employment & internship opportunities!
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eHOME AMERICA
The AHA is offering eHome America’s signature Homebuyer Education course for prospective first-time homebuyers! Click here for more information.
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Supporters Of The Alliance |
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Quote Of The Quarter:
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
Charles Dickens
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THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALLIANCE | like us. follow us. support us.
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