HUD Approval Moves Sandy Rebuilding Forward, says Network
Christie’s raid of local housing funds will harm recovery, advocates say

4/29/2013
 
Following the announcement that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved New Jersey's plans to distribute federal funds for Sandy recovery, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ (the Network) Executive Director Staci Berger issued the following statement:
 
"Rebuilding New Jersey is a monumental task and we are ready to roll-up our sleeves and get started.  HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan was right to require Governor Christie to make his plan more fair and we're glad to see that there's an improved and more balanced allocation between homeowners and renters than what was originally proposed. Now everyone affected by Sandy has a more equal opportunity to move forward.  
 
"Many of the Network's members, friends, and allies have been on the ground, working tirelessly to help the residents and small businesses devastated by the storm. Getting these dollars moving in the right way will make it easier for Sandy survivors to finally get back on their feet.

"We look forward to working with HUD and the Department of Community Affairs to maximize the positive impact these funds will have on our distressed communities.  We are however, very concerned, that Governor Christie is once again trying to grab the municipal housing trust funds that local communities have dedicated to creating much-needed homes for families, seniors, and people with special needs, including over $80 million in the nine counties hit hardest by Sandy.

"Federal Sandy recovery dollars and local trust dollars are both aimed at improving our communities. The governor should not drag us backwards by taking local trust funds.  He should let our communities use all the resources at their disposal to recover from the financial crisis and Superstorm Sandy.”
 
The Housing and Community Development Network is the state wide association of more than 250 community development corporations and other organizations working together to create affordable homes, expand economic opportunities, and build strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

For more information: Nina Arce
Housing & Community Development Network of NJ
(609) 393-3752 x12
[email protected]
Twitter site:  twitter.com/hcdnnj
Facebook site:  facebook.com/hcdnnj