By the most recent count done on a cold January day in 2009, there were 1,779 homeless people living in Hudson County. However, the count was but a snapshot of the total number of people homeless or – even more invisible – at risk of becoming homeless in a tough economy.
Obviously, people don’t start out homeless, and often, if they get help in time, they can avoid becoming that way.
“We know there are people out there who need help, but they seem to be unaware of the program.” – Todd Nelson
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Can intervene with evictions
“Our program,” said Todd Nelson, case manager for the Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation, “helps people who are not yet homeless but on the verge of becoming homeless. If people have received an eviction notice, we can intervene. If they have been evicted, we can help set them up with a new place and help pay for their first month’s rent. We can even help them with their back PSE&G bills.”
Called the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), this program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package.
In December, the program only received 50 requests countywide, 25 of which were handled by Nelson’s office in Jersey City. There is also an office in Union City.
“We know there are people out there who need help, but they seem to be unaware of the program,” he said.
Nelson’s office is 118 Summit Ave. in Jersey City, but he visits Bayonne once a week on Tuesdays to interview people who might be at risk, at the Bayonne Community Development Program at 555 Kennedy Blvd. An appointment is required to meet with him and can be obtained by calling Andrew Billek at (201) 604-2600, extension 312, to arrange a meeting during his office hours at the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation.
Bayonne residents can also make an appointment on Thursdays with Chaquira Vasquez of the United Way of Hudson County/Catholic Charities, who has office hours at the Bayonne Jewish Community Center at 1050 Kennedy Boulevard. An appointment is also required to meet with her. Call (201) 798-9960 to arrange a meeting. Bayonne residents will have priority.
These services are being offered under the terms of a grant that Bayonne received for the HPRP, and funding provides short-term financial assistance and case management services to prevent at-risk individuals and families from becoming homeless, and to re-house and stabilize quickly those who have recently become homeless.
Who’s eligible
The Hudson County Division of Housing and Community Development is responsible for overseeing the HPRP Program, and is monitoring the activities of the Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation, the United Way/Catholic Charities, and other administering agencies.
HPRP funds are meant to serve those who are not eligible for other forms of assistance. The focus will be to assist those who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness for the first time, those who have maintained their own apartment and due to recent job loss are not able to pay the rent until finding new employment, and those who do not have long-term struggles such as mental illness and substance abuse.
HPRP assistance cannot be used for any type of mortgage assistance.
Those assisted with HPRP funds must meet strict criteria to receive assistance. The criteria include a family income of no more than 50 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The 50 percent AMI figure ranges from a low of $24,900 for one person to higher amounts for families, depending on household size. An individual must have no other resources to secure housing. If the individual is living currently with a family member or a friend, this situation is not a priority for HPRP. The individual must meet the standard of “homeless but for this assistance.”
HPRP assistance will be extremely short-term, and will provide only enough assistance to stabilize an individual/household. HPRP assistance will be provided on a month-by-month basis. Anyone receiving HPRP assistance for more than three months will have to be re-certified to show continued eligibility. All persons assisted will have to demonstrate proof of income and their current housing situation.
Financial assistance will be offered for both the prevention of homelessness and re-housing those who are already homeless. Payments will include rental assistance, security/utility deposits, utility payments, and moving costs. Participants will also receive case management services.
Even if you don’t qualify…
Eleanore Tiefenwerth, executive director of the BEOF in Bayonne, said that even people who might not qualify for these programs might be directed to other available programs, so they should contact the BEOF or their local social service agency.
The reasons for homelessness are complex, but programs exist that can help people such, as food stamps, energy assistance and other help that might make the difference.
“If you have problems, call us,” Tiefenwerth said.
Bayonne residents who need more information should call the BEOF at (201) 437-7222. Others can call (201) 604-2600, extension 312.