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Expand Protections for Homeowners and Renters Impacted by Pandemic, Urge Housing Advocates 3/27/2020 Housing advocates are urging Governor Murphy and the Legislature to include mortgage forbearance and rental assistance as part of their efforts to maintain housing stability during the coronavirus pandemic. These measures would be in addition to the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions enacted last week. “We’re proud that our state leaders have been proactive in responding to the needs of New Jerseyans and have taken action to keep people in their homes during this time,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network). “Shut downs and other important preventive measures that are crucial to the health of our communities will mean many folks, especially lower wage earners, will not be able to pay their rent or mortgage. Mortgage forbearance and expanded rental assistance are necessary to prevent a larger foreclosure and eviction crisis after this health crisis passes.” While some mortgage lenders and servicers are voluntarily adopting mortgage modifications, there is no uniform program that applies in all communities with all lenders. NJ currently leads the nation in foreclosure and housing advocates are hoping to prevent exacerbating the problem through a forbearance policy for residents effected by the coronavirus pandemic. Many tenants, especially lower income renters, are going to be challenged with paying rent, starting next week for April. The Network is calling for emergency rental assistance for lower income tenants to pay their rent for the next 90 days. “The average rent in NJ is $1500 and with unemployment at a record high right now, our most vulnerable residents are at risk of falling behind and losing their home once this pandemic is over,” said Berger. “Governor Murphy, Lt. Governor Oliver, Senate President Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Coughlin and the members of the Legislature have shown true leadership during this time. We know they are concerned about our families who are struggling to make ends meet. We look forward to working with them to keep our residents safe and in their homes long after this crisis is over.” These recommendations are based on the Network’s Superstorm Sandy recovery work with impacted residents and other advocates, including NJ Organizing Project and Fair Share Housing Center. To learn more about the Network’s recommendations for mortgage forbearance and rental assistance, visit www.hcdnnj.org/coronavirusresources. About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ For more information: Nina Rainiero (609) 393-3752 x1200 Website: hcdnnj.org Twitter site: twitter.com/hcdnnj
Facebook site: facebook.com/hcdnnj For more information: Nina Rainiero (609) 393-3752 x1200 (609) 789-7900 Website: hcdnnj.org Twitter site: twitter.com/hcdnnj Facebook site: facebook.com/hcdnnj |
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