Hello,
It is hard to believe another summer season has come to an end, and I hope that everyone was able to find some joy and rest in the season’s sun and warmth! In between BBQs, beach days, and everything else New Jersey offers this time of year, the staff at the AHA has been working hard and hit some major milestones over the last few months.
With many out of work last year, the Affordable Housing Alliance’s Utility Assistance Department handled almost 40,000 phone calls which resulted in an 11% increase year-over-year in the total number of utility assistance applications processed. And while, for the most part, our state is getting back on track, all of us at the AHA are well aware that cold weather and heating insecurity go hand in hand and another influx of assistance requests is just over the horizon. To best facilitate these expected increases and to ensure our high level of personal attention remains in place, the AHA’s Utility Assistance Department is hiring local, multilingual team members to match our community’s growing demand.
I’m also thrilled to announce that the Affordable Housing Alliance’s Housing Outreach Department has reached the milestone of having 100% of our Housing Counseling staff HUD-Certified by HUD’s August 1st, 2021 deadline! As I touched on before, the AHA strives to meet the needs of all of our residents; when rules and guidelines change for the programs we administer and support, our team adapts to ensure continuous access to funds, resources, and support for New Jersey residents.
Our team has also been closely monitoring the various eviction, foreclosure, and utility shut-off moratoriums that have kept the power on and people in their homes during the worst of the pandemic. While legal challenges led to the federal moratorium’s end date being redefined and retooled, our state has led the way to ensure a state-wide eviction moratorium would remain in place. With a proactive approach and a willing partner, the AHA is working diligently to get the appropriate funds to the people who need it most.
As we begin to see Summer fade and Fall begin to take its place, it is important to remain focused on the changing needs of our communities. Together, today’s challenges will become tomorrow’s opportunities.
All the best,
Randi Moore, CEO
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On Friday, September 3rd the AHA gathered at BellWorks in Holmdel, NJ for a staff outing! After a few team-building activities and some words from Randi Moore, the AHA's CEO, our staff split into groups and tried their luck at a handful of different escape rooms at Escapology. While our teams met varying levels of success in fleeing their captivating scenes and situations, they all agreed that, when combined with the lunch that followed, it was the perfect way to start the Labor Day weekend. |
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Employee Spotlight - Amy Wallace |
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This quarter's Employee Spotlight focuses on Amy Wallace, the Affordable Housing Alliance's Administration Services Coordinator. Having joined the team in 2021, Amy brings a fresh approach to the execution of agency functions and departmental processes.
Amy graduated from Florida Southern in 2019 with a degree in Communications and a focus on advertising and public relations. After completing her undergraduate degree in the Sunshine State, Amy returned to Monmouth County just in time for COVID-19 to take hold. Following pandemic-related layoffs with her previous employer, Amy decided to pivot and pursue her current position in order to satisfy her overwhelming desire to support her community's most in need.
In her free time, Amy can often be found at the beach, taking in the sun and making the most of New Jersey's summer months. When the weather takes a turn, she effortlessly transitions to her other pastime which involves catching up with friends as they discuss and analyze Netflix's latest binge-worthy series.
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Join us as we congratulate the following staff on their recent work anniversaries:
1 year:
Chelsea M. (Utility, Intake Specialist)
Gerald Z. (Housing, Counseling Specialist)
Kimberly W. (Assistant Property Manager)
Herby L. (EAS, Shelter Counselor)
Aida V. (Utility, Intake Specialist)
Briona P. (Utility, Caseworker)
Selena H. (Utility, Caseworker)
Wesley F. (EAS, Shelter Counselor)
Jennifer S. (Utility, Intake Specialist)
Jordan G. (CAP, Caseworker Processor)
Congratulations Everyone!
The Affordable Housing Alliance is grateful for all of their years of service!
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Housing Outreach Department |
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AHA Reaches '100% HUD-Certified' By Deadline |
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The Affordable Housing Alliance is excited to announce that our organization has worked hard to ensure 100% of our housing counselors achieved U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Certification by the Federal Government's August 1st, 2021 deadline. The HUD exam is an intensive evaluation of a counselor's understanding of the complex guidelines and requirements of HUD programs and services. By ensuring all of our counselors were certified, the AHA is better positioned to offer New Jersey residents the help and support they deserve.
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FREE Money Management Course Available |
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The Affordable Housing Alliance knows that having a robust understanding of healthy, sustainable financial practices does wonders for one's overall well-being. We understand that not everyone had the same opportunities to develop and nurture those practices, and we would love to provide you with the necessary knowledge!
In partnership with the United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, the AHA provides eHomeAmerica's virtual, self-paced Money Management course at NO COST to residents of Monmouth and Ocean Counties! Learn how creating a budget can help you stay current with bills and avoid late fees, understand how credit scores work, and see how developing an emergency savings plan can have lasting impacts on your financial well-being. Even beyond this important course, the AHA provides FREE Financial Coaching to equip you with one-on-one assistance to create your budget, access a variety of benefits, and receive specific guidance to increase your credit score. Don't miss this opportunity to learn skills and tips that will have lasting impacts on your financial well-being. Give us a call today to start your journey towards financial independence: (732) 389-2958
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Employee Spotlight - Jazmin Andrews |
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For many residents, the first call to the Affordable Housing Alliance is the toughest. A few know about the program they'd like to apply to or the resources they need, but most are searching for direction, and when it comes to our Housing Department, Jazmin Andrews knows how to help.
As an Alumni of Monmouth University and their Department of Social Work, Jazmin has been committed to helping New Jersey's in-need residents for years. In her 11 months with the Affordable Housing Alliance, Jazmin has worked with residents directly; by providing resource navigation, program marketing for AHA's Housing Department, and community outreach, Jazmin is uniquely positioned to support our mission day in and day out.
When Jazmin isn't helping residents with their housing needs you can find her spending her free time with friends and family. She is an avid reader and has always enjoyed the joys of cooking.
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Affordable Units for Sale and Rent |
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Each and every month the Affordable Housing Alliance shares all of the properties currently available within our network. Each of the units listed 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.
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Utility Assistance Department |
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Updated Financial Requirements On The Way For The Universal Service Fund (USF) |
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After evaluating the growing need for utility assistance amongst residents due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is finalizing updated financial guidelines for the Universal Service Fund (USF). This expanded base of residents will allow more participants into the programs and provides additional flexibility within the programs as the State continues its economic recovery.
The Affordable Housing Alliance is working to ensure a seamless transition and continued access to assistance for all eligible Monmouth County residents. To learn more about the expanded access of the Universal Service Fund, and the benefits of applying, visit our Utility Assistance page here!
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Community Action Program (CAP) |
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Every summer, the Community Action Program (CAP) offers sponsorship opportunities to eligible youth so that they can participate in summer programs at little to no cost to them. For the past few years, the AHA's Community Action Program has worked with STEAMpark. As a fellow 501c(3) non-profit, STEAMpark aims to provide educational, emotional, and wellness support to kids in need.
By focusing on the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), CAP's work with STEAMpark helps level the playing field for all children by filling gaps of care and achievement in under-served communities with curriculum-based after-school enrichment programs and summer camps.
Summer Progam on a recent trip to the Liberty Science Center!
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Rental Assistance Is Available! |
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The Affordable Housing Alliance has programs available to help those residents who are struggling to meet their rental obligations. For more information on these programs please visit our Community Action Program (CAP) homepage.
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Do you or someone you know need help paying back rent? CAP can help! |
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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
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AFFORDABLE UNITS
FOR SALE
We know what you're looking for! To learn more about the affordable units the AHA has for sale, make sure to click here!
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in joining the AHA team? We thought so. Then click here to learn about employment and 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:
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
― BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
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THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALLIANCE | like us. follow us. support us.
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