Fostering Self-Sufficiency
Housing Alliance :: Press Releases
New Housing Alliance Launched in Morris County: Sweeping and Inclusive
Changes Needed
August 5, 2005 – Morris County, NJ – They are different organizations that represent various walks of life, including the public, private and nonprofit sectors but they are all linked by the same goal – to increase the supply of affordable housing in Morris County.
Nineteen organizations have come together to form the Housing Alliance, which is facilitated by United Way of Morris County. Its members provide and advocate for the creation of housing opportunities that are affordable for all Morris County residents, particularly single heads of households, young adults, seniors, people with disabilities and even households making less than the median income of $82,025 as they struggle to find housing.
Member groups have joined in a common voice through the Alliance and developed the following goals:
- Disseminate the message that Morris County needs housing for all Showcase housing that is both attractive and affordable.
- Increase public knowledge of the housing crisis.
- Help to facilitate policy change and work with elected officials to transform the current situation.
According to a United Way of Morris County study, there was a shortfall of more than 10,000 affordable housing units in Morris County in 2000. Dan McGuire, Housing Alliance Chairman, emphasizes that this is a problem that affects the entire community.
"The lack of affordable housing combined with a limited transportation system separates job opportunities from the people who are willing to perform them. Consequences include overcrowded housing, congested roads, and unfilled jobs, which results in an unstable tax base. This is about people we know. Many county and municipal workers, hospital staff and health aides, teacher's aides and child care workers, store and office clerks, even accountants and computer systems analysts, provide essential services to our community, but they can't afford to live here."
McGuire notes that housing prices have risen more than 57% since the 3rd quarter of 2000, reaching a median price of $490,228 in the first half of 2005. A homebuyer would need to earn $127,240 annually to afford a house in this price range assuming a conventional loan and a 10% down payment.
Future events the Alliance will participate in include the September 22nd Homes for New Jersey Rally in Trenton and Affordable Housing month in October. For further information and coming events, go to the Housing Alliance section on the website, email the Housing Alliance or phone 973.993.1160, x150.
Housing Alliance members include: Affordable Harding Corporation, Community Hope, Inc., Homeless Solutions, Inc., Housing Partnership for Morris County, Madison Affordable Housing Corp., Morris County Affordable Housing Corp., Morris Habitat for Humanity, Inc., NewBridge Services, and United Way of Morris County.
Contact
Susan Young
732.613.4790 |
