HUD, AMERICAN LEGION, PROVIDE HOMES, FURNISHINGS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

HUD Region II RA Patton highlights HUD programs during the ribbon cutting ceremony in Emerson, New Jersey

HUD Region II Regional Administrator Lynne Patton joined the Housing Authority of Bergen County, State and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of 14 newly constructed apartments for homeless veterans in Emerson, New Jersey.

The project was funded almost entirely with HUD resources that included $2.2 million in CDBG-DR funding through the New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency; $300,000 in HOME funds administered through Bergen County Community Development, and $300,000 from the Housing Development Corporation of Bergen County. HUD Section 8 Project-based vouchers will allow tenants to pay 30% of their income towards rent. American Legion Post 269 donated the land, located in the rear of the main building.

These veterans came home to fully furnished one-bedroom apartments that included new bedding, kitchen utensils, dishes and flatware, and even an undercabinet clothing washer /dryer, all donated through the non-profit Bergen Volunteer Center Making-It-Home program. Donors included local business, non-profits and major corporations.

"Eliminating veteran homelessness is one of HUD's highest priorities and I am pleased that 14 formerly homeless veterans will now have beautiful homes thanks to land donated by the American Legion Post 269, which is already considered a home away from home for so many," said HUD Region II Regional Administrator Lynne Patton. "This is a great example of what public-private partnerships can do and I am proud that HUD was able to provide over $2 million in CDBG-DR Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery funding thought NJ Housing Mortgage Finance Agency, and Section 8 rental subsidies that will ensure financial stability for years to come."

Bergen County, New Jersey was certified by HUD as having ended veteran homelessness and chronic homelessness. This project is proof that the programs put in place by the County are streamlined and working.

Congratulations to all for changing 14 lives for the better; providing homes and a sense of community for our deserving members of the Armed Forces.

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