Dear Editor:
On behalf of the board of commissioners, the residents and the entire staff at the Hoboken Housing Authority, I would like to commend U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez and Congressman Albio Sires for their tireless advocacy of our community.
As we know, Congress is considering a sequestration of funds that would deeply affect public housing and Section 8. Senator Menendez has introduced the Choice Neighborhood bill, which would allow more funding and affordable housing to be preserved and created. Senator Menendez and Senator Stack have worked on new legislation protecting the rights of our residents as well as the funding we so desperately need and we appreciate their efforts.
Throughout the year, the Hoboken Housing Authority Resident Services Department has organized countless programs for residents of all ages, educating them on the benefits of exercise and healthy eating and teaching them how to lead an overall healthier lifestyle.
We hosted an amazing summer kick-off featuring our seventh annual Community Health Fair. The fun continued throughout the season with the housing authority’s annual family field to trip to Lake Tomahawk, a Father’s Day bike rodeo and historical city tour, our summer basketball league, which kept 150 teens off the street, a National Night 0ut celebration, and, most recently, Mitzvah Day. We look forward to the grand opening of Mama Johnson Field and hosting an instructional soccer league, the girls’ softball program and PAL grunts football game.
There are so many organizations we’d like to thank for supporting our programs. These include Rite Aid pharmacy, Hoboken Moms Helping Moms, Women Rising, NJ FamilyCare, HOPES Community Action Partnership, ZogSports, Hmag, Room 84, Scotland Yard, Adventures in Learning, The Gadget Market, Atlantic Environmental, Lopiano, Kenny & Stinson Law Offices, Alex Maribel, coach of Dickinson High School JV, Hoboken PAL, UR ENERGY, La trenda Ross, Jacob Stuiver, Mason Civic League Inc. and Africa Views. Hoboken Police Sgt. Melissa Gigante planned an incredible National Night Out, and the City of Hoboken continues to partner with us to educate our residents on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and also sponsored the Tomahawk trip.
Lastly, we would like to thank State Sen. Brian Stack, a fierce advocate for the residents of the HHA. The senator has brought his mobile office to Hoboken on many occasions, offering advice to our residents who would otherwise not have the opportunity to speak with him and learn about the state’s resources. He is always available to help and explain what exactly each branch of government can do for our residents.
I am confident that with the help of our federal, state and local leaders, the residents of the Hoboken Housing Authority will continue to thrive.
Carmelo G. Garcia
Executive Director
Hoboken Housing Authority