2000 Best Practice Awards

557 Monmouth County, New Jersey Office of Fair Housing

The Office of Fair Housing coordinates a county-wide integrated approach to ensure the fair housing rights of all participating jurisdictions. Overall, the Monmouth County office is an exemplary model. The staff performs procedural duties such as handling the intake and screening of discrimination inquiries, assisting in filing complaints and verifying all the information provided is accurate. The Office specializes in assisting minority residents, persons with disabilities, the homeless, and senior citizens, although any one requesting assistance will be helped. The Office also conducts educational activities. In fact it celebrates Fair Housing Month each April with a poster contest that is sponsored by the County’s many elementary schools. This year marked the tenth anniversary. The winning children receive savings bonds plus have their work is showcased in a calendar that is distributed to 3,000 agencies, organizations, realtors, schools, etc. There is also a formal award ceremony where both the recipients and their parents are honored by the Freeholders.

In addition to the Office’s fair housing activities, the County CDBG Program funds numerous civil rights related items, such as funding for 8 municipal projects to modify public accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, increasing the inventory of affordable housing, and assisting first time home buyers. The Emergency Repair Program also extends the loan amount for participating home owners who need to install barrier-free bathrooms. The CDBG Program also makes a concerted effort to seek women and minority owned businesses (WBEs/MBEs) when it subcontracts activities, and has implemented a Section 3 Program. The County also funds a workshop to enable children to become more comfortable with persons who are disabled.

2781 Intergovernmental Efforts to Redevelop New Jersey Brownfields

At regularly scheduled meetings, communities that have been designated by EPA as Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilots have come together to discuss their plans to revitalize contaminated sites, review their successes, and seek ways to overcome obstacles to redevelopment. At each meeting, three communities with various levels of experience in brownfields re-use have met with approximately 10 federal agencies. By generally limiting each meeting to three communities, there is enough time for each to discuss its situation regarding brownfields. Some of the most significant suggestions have come from other communities, which have faced similar problems, and are familiar with the local impediments to brownfields redevelopment. Federal and State agencies have followed-up with local officials after each meeting to provide extensive technical assistance on problems identified. After each EPA Pilot is covered, additional New Jersey communities with underutilized brownfields will be brought into the process.

795 Housing Authority of the City of Newark – Section 8 Counseling Program

The Section 8 Counseling program was developed to ensure that families with Section 8 vouchers, who are relocating under the Authority’s Hope 6 Program, have a higher success rate and better opportunities to move to communities outside of the City. This program focuses on encouraging families to move to areas that are significantly less racially and economically impacted than where they currently reside. The target families currently reside in deteriorated or obsolete high-rise public housing projects, slated for demolition in the near future. In addition, major goals are to increase families self sufficiency, expand landlord participation in the Authority’s Section 8 Program, educate participants about better housing opportunities, identify and address barriers to mobility, and facilitate joint problem solving among the other Section 8 programs in Essex County.

1223- One-Stop Hassle-Free Community Fairs

The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, the Social Security Administration, and the Federal Executive Board of Metropolitan Northern New Jersey are coordinating one-stop hassle-free events in New Jersey. The objective is to partner with government, local service agencies, and non-profits to provide convenient, one-stop information and service events for HUD clients and other residents of lower-income areas (which tend to be undeserved). At the events, people can find out about many services and programs such as: housing programs (e.g., fair housing, how to apply for rental assistance or public housing, HUD/FHA mortgage programs, preventing homelessness, housing counseling, HUD information on the web, etc.); social security benefits; Medicare, health insurance, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)/ NJ KidCare, Medicaid, food stamps, Pharmaceutical Assistance for Aged and Disabled, local senior programs, citizenship and services, Earned Income Tax Credit, tax assistance, veterans benefits, census assistance, etc., as well as have free health screenings such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, breast and/or prostate, and receive information on health concerns (e.g., asthma, allergies, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, etc.). Successful partnerships have been established with other federal, state, county, and local agencies and non-profits. A community fair has already taken place, and others are planned at various locations to provide accessible information/ services to residents of different neighborhoods.

1381 Cooperative Housing Corporation-Bridgewater Shared Living Residences

The Cooperative Housing Corporation (CHC) provides shared living residences that allow residents to enjoy the benefits of independent and communal living at the same time. In Bridgewater, Commons Ridge houses five seniors while the Schaal Home houses five high-functioning, specials needs adult men. Each home features five bedrooms with private bathrooms. Room-mates share the laundry area, kitchen, dining and living rooms, and outdoor areas, just as a family does. Food for all meals is provided. However, residents share responsibility for preparing the evening meal. The homes are fully equipped with furniture and appliances so that when a resident moves in, only personal items and bedroom furniture are needed. Housemates at Commons Ridge and Schaal House benefit from other support services that are made available with funding through the CDBG Program. Assisted living services include an on-site social worker and nutritionist, home health aides, assistance with personal financial record-keeping, and transportation services. Professional maintenance and housekeeping services are also provided.

1423 Career and Job Fair

A major Career and Job Fair brought together more than 1,000 New Jersey job seekers with 70 employers. The Fair took place in Newark, NJ, on April 28, 2000. Job seekers had a chance to meet company representatives and discuss employment opportunities. There was no fee to attend the Fair. A major goal of the undertaking was to bring more employment opportunities to those New Jersey residents who had not yet participated in the region’s booming economy. To generate interest among a wide range of employers, the Career and Job Fair was a statewide event, open to the general public. We did general outreach to businesses and attracted large, mid-size and small employers with employment opportunities at various levels. However, as part of the outreach to businesses, we ensured that there would be a good representation from employers with entry level and/or on-the-job training positions, which increased the likelihood of lower-income people being considered and hired for positions. The Career and Job Fair provided an opportunity for those persons participating in various work readiness programs (e.g., Family self-sufficiency, Welfare to Work, etc.) to meet with a variety of employers in a central location. To also assist lower-income residents who had not articipated in some kind of work readiness program to be properly prepared for the Career and Job Fair, we coordinated with non-profits, housing authorities, and the Enterprise Community (EC). Toward that end, a series of pre-employment workshops were conducted prior to the Fair. The workshops, open to Newark/Elizabeth Enterprise Community (EC) residents, public and assisted housing residents and Section 8 recipients, covered such topics as resume writing, interviewing skills and techniques, marketing yourself, and dressing for success. A series of four half-day workshops were developed and led by the City of Newark EC Resource Development Center. EC anchoring institutions and community based organizations marketed the workshops. More than 150 job seekers participated. Pre-employment workshops were also held by other non-profits and housing authorities. The Fair was promoted through churches, the nonprofit community, public housing authorities and media throughout the state, as well as by the HUD Office, the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services, the State of New Jersey Department of Labor, the Newark/Elizabeth EC and EC partners. Prior to the public opening of the Fair, participating employers attended a seminar about tax incentives available for hiring from the under served populations (including federal Enterprise Community (EC) residents, State of NJ Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) incentives, etc.). The Fair was organized and hosted by a unique partnership comprised of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the N.J. Department of Human Services, the N.J. Department of Labor and the Newark/Elizabeth Enterprise Community.

1992 Twin-engine Aircraft Crash Response - City of Newark, New Jersey

On November 24, 1999, a small, twin-engine aircraft crashed in Newark's West Side neighborhood, killing the plane’s three occupants and one person on the ground. Fifty(50) families were displaced, seventeen (17) 2-to-3 family homes were damaged, and several homes had to be demolished. The City’s Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services, Division of Demolition and Clearance, expended $219,511 in HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to address the emergency take-downs and removals of buildings damaged beyond repair. The Engineering Department performed the assessments of residential structural renovations and supervised the window replacements that were funded through the reprogramming of CDBG funds. The City was able to assist 50 families and salvage 17 homes, making Kent Street habitable again and restoring a semblance of quality to the lives of the affected families.

2013 City of Trenton's Continuum of Care for the Homeless, 1996-1999

Trenton's Continuum of Care system for the homeless has been developed through a partnership between Mayor Douglas Palmer, his administration and the Trenton community. City residents, housing advocates, planners and developers, government and business representatives, civic group members, clergy, social workers and the homeless have created a comprehensive plan encompassing the full spectrum of housing services for the homeless, homeless prevention, outreach and assessment, emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing and supportive housing. Dozens of local community based organizations provide comprehensive social services to Trenton's homeless in coordination with housing services. The development of Trenton's Continuum of Care strategy began in 1990. Through the Mayor's leadership and foresight the Trenton community now has a vision for revitalization and redevelopment that is inclusive of all people rich/poor, homeless/housed, employed/unemployed, young/old and all races and/ethnicities. Trenton's people have begun the slow, arduous process of rebuilding a city that had been in steady decline for three decades. A strategic housing plan which prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable residents, namely the homeless and very low income is vital to realizing the city's vision. Their is a strong belief that Trenton's plan for rebirth must integrate decent, safe, affordable housing with economic development and community empowerment. These guiding principles have served the city of Trenton well in developing its Continuum of Care Strategy for the Homeless. The Consolidated Plan helped establish the basic foundation for a continuum of care process to emerge and has identified priority objectives which guide the City's planning today: 1.Help low income families avoid being homeless, 2.Reach out to homeless persons and assess their individual needs, 3.Address emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons, 4.Help Homeless persons make the transition to permanent housing and independent living. Every year when the city's housing plan is updated, drafts are widely distributed for comment. They are mailed and hand delivered to social service organizations, interested citizens, the library, City Hall and other community locations with convenient access to the public.

2417 Coordinated Social Service Delivery System

An internet-based system that will assist 25 Enterprise Community (EC) agencies to identify gaps in services or follow-up, eliminate inter- and intra-agency redundancies, coordinate case management services, and enhance individual needs assessments and job readiness objectives.

2779 New Jersey HMFA Low Income Housing Tax Credit Prioritization for HUD McKinney Act Programs, HOPE VI Projects and Community Policing Activities

McKinney funds are a critical resource in funding programs to combat homelessness; however, alternate sources of funds must be identified to broaden the impact of these efforts. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency found a creative solution to this problem by modifying the selection criteria in New Jersey’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program to create a set-aside for programs that use McKinney funds. HMFA has also created set-asides for HOPE VI projects to revitalize public housing, and is giving priority to programs supporting community policing. The low-income housing tax credit may be applied against the Federal income tax of persons or associations who have invested in certain buildings providing housing for families of low-income.

2990 Police Community Partnership Program

The Project is funded through the N.J Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice. The City of Paterson through the Departments of Community Development, Public Safety, and Public Works along with the County of Passaic Prosecutors Office has embarked on a program that provides an opportunity for the City of Paterson to comprehensively stabilize and rebuild the neighborhood surrounding Barbour Park, which has been adversely affected by poverty, crime, and drugs. This initiative provides the opportunity for the City of Paterson and neighborhood residents to work together in order to address concerns, needs, and problems. The Police Community Partnership Program, located within the Harrison/Governor Street strategic revitalization area and consistent with the vision for the neighborhood outlined in the City of Paterson's Consolidated Plan, endeavors to improve the community's quality of life by reducing crime and rebuilding community trust, revitalizing the neighborhood, and establishing outreach initiatives. One key aspect of the program is to reduce violent crime within the neighborhood. The Violent Offender Removal Program, to which an Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor is assigned, reduces crime by identifying, targeting and prosecuting perpetrators and violent criminals. Law enforcement efforts have focused on combating and eradicating drug related problems and their associated activities by utilizing a Community policing approach. The eight officers assigned to work exclusively within the neighborhood work closely with community stakeholders to identify and solve problems. They play and active role by conducting or participating in community meetings with neighborhood groups and community leaders. Another of the program's significant goal is neighborhood revitalization. The Divisions of Housing and Community Improvement, the Paterson Police Division and its Community Policing Unit and, most importantly, the community, have joined formed in a unique partnership to remove blighted structures as well as to remedy the physical decline within the community by increasing its code enforcement efforts, removing graffiti and abandoned vehicles, and promoting community based beautification efforts. This approach endeavors to not only reduce the number of abandoned structures used as havens for drug related activities, but also to strive to rehabilitate abandoned one to four unit investment properties. The project also targets youth at-risk of gang violence and actively seeks to reach out to those already involved in or participates in gang related activities. This is accomplished by increasing and encouraging community involvement in activities that foster constructive avenues for youths from grades four to eight to utilize their time after school and during the non-work hours. Programs and activities that have been established for area youth affording an opportunity to participate in wholesome exercises within a secure and safe environment include mentoring, sports programs and computer training. One benefit of such activities is that it permits adolescents and the community at large to interact with law enforcement officers in a neutral setting changing mutual stereotypes and perceptions.

3124 Resident Security Assistance

The Resident Security Assistants was formed in August 1999. The goal of the program is to provide a sense of ownership and maintain a safe environment to the residents of the high-rises who were in need of security services. In doing so, it was the CHA's intent to motivate self-esteem in the residents, as well as, giving them self-purpose. Five to seven residents selected by the President of each high-rise provide security services to its residents. The RSA's work a four-hour shifts for a total of 20 hours per week to provide coverage around the clock. When guests arrive they are required to show identification and sign their names along with answering other information required on the sign-in Sheet. Guests are expected to leave the building by midnight and if staying overnight, occurrences are to be no more than 14 per year. If more than 14 times, residents must have prior approval from the building manager. The RSA's see who comes in and out of the building on a daily basis by providing security services every day. They get to know who are the regular visitors and who are not. They monitor overnight visitors, reporting all information to the building manager. To assist with keeping problem quests out of the building, a "Banned List" was created and is maintained at each high rise building. The list is comprised of individuals who have created problems in the past are not allowed to return. As situations arise, the list is updated. Also, problems not foreseen by the building manager or director of the RSA Program and recognized by the RSA's are also documented to be discussed. To distinguish themselves from together residents and guests' recognition, the RSA's wear blue identification with their pictures on it. The RSA's look out for one another by calling down to check on the conditions of the staff member and building, as well as, coming downstairs physically to check on things. Off duty RSA's inspects floors and stairwells assisting with security measures, at all times. With the allowance of RSA's receiving rent rebatements (having no rent) or receiving $200.00 stipend per month for their services adds greater incentive for a high work performance.

2750 "One Strike and You're Out"

The Housing Authority of Gloucester County (HAGC) adopted a "One Strike and You're Out" Policy in 1996. The policy is designed to deny assistance to those who engage in criminal and drug related activity. The Board of Commissioners took this action because they feel that those who receive assistance through HAGC should lead responsible lifestyles that are not a burden to their neighbors. The Policy places great emphasis on fairness. HAGC administers more than 2200 units of HUD subsidized housing. Subsequent to Board adoption of the Policy, all members of assisted families and applicants over the age of 16 received a copy of the Policy and were required to sign an acknowledgment and release. HAGC contacted all local municipalities, judicial organizations, and law enforcement agencies to make them aware of the policy and to solicit information from them. When adverse information is received concerning a resident or applicant, the HAGC staff person responsible for that household evaluates the information, usually along with a supervisor. If it is determined that the resident/applicant violated the Policy, the resident/applicant is notified of eviction, termination, or denial of assistance as appropriate. The resident/applicant is notified they may request a hearing. The resident/applicant is allowed to examine evidence prior to the hearing and to bring a representative. The hearing officer in an HAGC employee from another division. The Hearing Officer hears from the HAGC staff and the applicant/resident and examines any documentation presented. Police Officers occasionally testify. The Hearing Officer issues a written decision subsequent to the hearing. The resident/applicant is notified they have the right to appeal to the Executive Director.

295 Regional Opportunity Counseling Program

The Regional Housing Opportunity Counseling Program was developed to promote regional strategies for assisting Section 8 Certificate and Housing Voucher recipients to choose neighborhoods that offer better housing, education and employment opportunities. The primary goals of the Program are to expand landlord participation and increase the diversity of neighborhoods where Section 8 recipients reside; encourage low-income families to move to low-poverty areas offering high quality housing; identify and address barriers to mobility; promote greater cooperation and facilitate joint problem-solving among the larger Section 8 programs in a metropolitan housing market; and provide in-depth and meaningful counseling to families participating in the Program. The State has implemented this program with a strong emphasis on educating Section 8 recipients to become more responsible residents, improve their house keeping skills, and motivate families to expand their housing options.

284 Atlantic Villas Apartments

Atlantic Villas Apartments is a HUD Section 236 family site, located in Atlantic City, NJ and is home to 127 families. The thriving business of the City is the casino industry, which is by far the largest employer, offering the greatest opportunities for skilled and unskilled labor. The Neighborhood Network at Atlantic Villas provides services to the elderly, disabled, unemployed and underemployed. The Networks' employment and training programs (including Welfare to Work and Job Readiness), GED assistance, entry level computer skills training and a comprehensive program for the youth of the property are part of the vision at the Atlantic Villas Apartments.

643 Brothers with Brothers: Isaiah House Residential Program for Adolescent Boys

Now in its fourth year of operation the Isaiah House's Residential Program for Adolescent Boys entitled, Brothers with Brothers, supports 14 homeless inner city males ages 15 to 19 with housing, 3 meals per day supported by full social, emotional, and recreational services for up to 4 years. These boys' needs are typically beyond the scope of school counselors and child study team programs and require a structured but not punitive living environment with intense, individualized case management attention and mentoring to avoid serious involvement with the judicial system. Perhaps the most unique aspects of the new facility is not the design or the architecture but rather the program model for young men. Traditionally Isaiah House has been the shelter and provider of services for families thus creating and becoming family for these young men. By providing the essential emotional components of a family that is caring, understanding, support a sense of belonging and responsibility in a safe, attractive and secure physical environment, these young men are able to develop into fully functional, self supporting and contributing citizens of the community. The Brothers with Brother program is housed in more than 3,200 square feet located at 238 N. Munn Avenue-second floor-East Orange, NJ. It includes eight, two person units, plus an apartment for a live in advisor, who is a PhD student in environmental justice at Rutgers University. At the heart of the project design is a genuine athletic team approach. There are 2 young men or teammates to a room, a separate lounge/day room, a TV room and an indoor gym/recreational area with weights, punching bags and other health conscious and body building, self building equipment. Study areas are provided on the same floor. In these classrooms and the computer lab the young men are encouraged to pursue their studies with the help of mentors and community volunteers. In addition to living in a drug and alcohol free environment the young men in this program receive round the clock supervision, medical and dental care, mental health services and 24 hour security. To augment recreation and physical activity, each resident is provided with a full membership at the East Orange YMCA located on the adjacent block, within easy walking distance. These young men are encouraged to participate in the life of the agency with meaningful paid jobs. Numerous possibilities for skills and responsibility training present themselves in the Isaiah House 24 hour operation. The program is based on the Maslow Hierachy of Needs and the belief that each resident must set goals, have the opportunity to make choices and mistakes and to assess their decisions. Once in residence, basic safety and security needs are addressed. Difficulty in these areas, which often brought the young man in the first place are addressed in the program model. Life log coping and achievement capabilities are nurtured. A requirement of the program is to attend school or job training program. Each resident is urged to continue in regular high school attendance rather than alternate placement. Isaiah House has the full backing and cooperation of the East Orange School District in this regard.

711 Scattered Site Transitional Housing Agency

The AIDS Coalition of Southern NJ provides 20 different types of services for program participants. The Coalition covers 4 counties that are predominately rural, except for Camden City. Through the collaboration of an AIDS service organization and an AIDS housing corporation they purchased property and now own 5 transitional homes and lease 3 apartments for persons with AIDS. One house is for women, 3 houses are for men, and one house and 3 apartments are for families. Properties purchased are in most cases, residential/commercial properties in the center of towns. Varied sources of creative funding resulted in 4 fully owned properties and 3 leased apartments and 1 leased house. All residents have drug and alcohol, mental health and employment professionals to support them in their goal of permanent housing and productive life as a community citizen.

3287 Paterson - Riverview Towers Neighborhood Network, "Wings"

The Wings program includes a computer learning center, a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) program, as well as a variety of other services for residents of Riverview Towers. Wings is a holistic program designed to foster individual dignity, promote self-sufficiency, and create a sense of community among residents of Riverview Towers. Wings is being implemented under the guidance of the Workforce Development Department at Berkeley College, with the assistance of local community-based organizations, corporations, schools and government agencies. The New Jersey Department of Labor has designated the Wings center as an official One Stop for the State, to aid in evaluating people and help them in getting jobs.

Content Archived: April 20, 2011