By Dante Lara, Housing Manager at The Waterfront Project, Inc.
Affordable housing has become a nationwide crisis with devastating impacts, and the effects are particularly evident here in New Jersey. In Hudson County alone, homelessness has increased by a staggering 27% in 2024, according to NJ.com. This multifaceted issue affects millions of individuals and families—mentally, physically, and financially—and demands urgent attention and action.
As Housing Manager at The Waterfront Project, a HUD-certified agency, I’ve seen how eviction prevention efforts can make the difference between housing stability and homelessness. Every day, our team of dedicated counselors and attorneys works to address housing injustices, offering free legal and counseling services to those in need. HUD’s new report, Rental Counseling and Evictions: Results from a Survey and Listening Session with Housing Counseling Providers, offers valuable insights that align closely with the challenges we tackle daily and the solutions we strive to implement.
Why Clients Seek Help
The reasons people seek eviction counseling are often rooted in financial hardship—whether due to job loss, medical emergencies, or the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Hudson County, where rents have soared over the last decade, these pressures are acutely felt. Many of our clients are facing impossible decisions between paying rent and covering essential expenses like food or healthcare.
HUD’s report reinforces what we see on the ground: tenants often lack access to the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for themselves. That’s why education is at the heart of our work, empowering individuals to understand their rights and access the tools they need to stabilize their housing.
Delivering Counseling Services
At The Waterfront Project, we pride ourselves on a holistic approach to eviction prevention. Our HUD-certified counselors provide personalized support that includes tenant education, budgeting assistance, and referrals to emergency rental assistance programs. We also work closely with our attorneys to ensure tenants have the legal representation they need to fight unjust evictions or navigate complex landlord-tenant disputes.
Despite our best efforts, the demand for these services far exceeds our capacity. The challenges highlighted in HUD’s report—such as limited funding and resource gaps—are especially relevant here in Hudson County. For instance, the county’s high population of non-English speakers means we’ve invested heavily in bilingual staff and culturally responsive outreach, but the need remains immense.
The Role of Client Feedback
We deeply value feedback from our clients. Their stories not only shape our understanding of the challenges they face but also help us refine and improve our services. Through client surveys, we gain critical insights into their experiences and outcomes, allowing us to better tailor our programs to meet their needs.
This feedback is integral to our mission of preventing homelessness and fostering a secure, supportive, and successful approach to housing stability. It also strengthens our commitment to identifying and addressing the root causes of evictions and other financial hardships, ensuring we can create lasting change for the communities we serve.
Identifying and Supporting At-Risk Populations
In Hudson County, identifying those most at risk of eviction requires a strategic and data-driven approach. We collaborate with local governments, community partners, and organizations to analyze eviction filings, unemployment rates, and other indicators to pinpoint vulnerable populations. For example, we know that communities of color, immigrant families, and single-parent households are disproportionately affected by eviction.
HUD’s report highlights the importance of such targeted outreach, and our work is a testament to its impact. By focusing on high-need areas like Jersey City, where gentrification and skyrocketing rents have displaced many long-time residents, we aim to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
Challenges in Follow-Up
As HUD’s report notes, following up with clients after initial counseling is critical to achieving long-term stability. However, maintaining consistent communication with clients—especially those facing unstable housing—is challenging without sufficient resources. At The Waterfront Project, we’re exploring innovative solutions like automated text updates and collaborative partnerships to address this gap. But as demand grows, so does the need for additional funding to expand these efforts.
The Path Forward: Expanding Programs and Services
To truly address the housing crisis in Hudson County, we must think beyond immediate eviction prevention. By gaining deeper insights into the systemic issues driving housing instability, we can create more effective and sustainable solutions. HUD’s report is a reminder of the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and investment in housing counseling programs.
At The Waterfront Project, we are committed to expanding our programs and services to meet the evolving needs of our community. This includes increasing our capacity for data collection, strengthening partnerships with local organizations, and advocating for policy changes that protect tenants and promote affordable housing development.
Together, We Can Create a More Stable Hudson County
Housing is a human right, and eviction prevention is a vital step in realizing this vision. As homelessness rises in Hudson County, the need for comprehensive solutions has never been greater. HUD’s report provides a clear roadmap for addressing these challenges, but we need your help to turn these insights into action.
By supporting The Waterfront Project, you’re investing in a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in safe, stable housing. Together, we can create a stronger, more equitable Hudson County—one where eviction prevention and housing justice are not just goals but realities.
Dante Lara is the Housing Manager at The Waterfront Project, Inc., where he leads a team dedicated to providing housing counseling services to New Jersey residents facing housing insecurity.