Newark, NJ- The Newark Housing Authority (NHA) announced the receipt of $703,193 to support fifty-nine (59) new Mainstream Housing Choice vouchers designated to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities who are transitioning out of institutional settings, are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.
“This is a result of a collaborative effort by the City of Newark and the Housing Authority to assist our most at-risk population,” said Executive Director Victor Cirilo.
“We thank the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other partners for continuing to support our long term plans to address homelessness.
Housing choice program vouchers allow very low-income families, the elderly, and disabled to rent affordable, safe, and sanitary housing. Under program guidelines, the recipient chooses their own housing in the local private housing market.
The housing unit must meet quality inspection standards and be maintained to the standards of the Housing Authority.
“We applaud the Housing Authority’s efforts on assisting our pro-active approach to address the issue of homelessness,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka.
“These vouchers will make a positive impact on the lives of residents in need and help us build a more empowered and equitable city. Everyone deserves a decent, safe, and affordable place to live.”
Officials say the Housing Authority has submitted applications the last two years in response to the City of Newark’s efforts to continue operating the Sussex Avenue Homeless Shelter. This year’s award supplements the $827,917 received for seventy (70) mainstream vouchers in 2018.
In a press release issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey Lynne Patton said, “Everyone deserves a place to call home and to enjoy the freedom that independent living provides.”
The Newark Housing Authority operates over 13,000 units through the public housing and Section 8 rental assistance program.
For more information about the Newark Housing Authority, visit http://www.newarkha.org.