Blog – Page 4

May 1, 2024

Ensuring Fair Housing: A Commitment from The Waterfront Project, Inc.

As a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor at The Waterfront Project, Inc. (WFP) in New Jersey, I am acutely aware of the profound impact that fair housing laws have on our mission to end homelessness. This year marks the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting integrated living patterns. Yet, despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly for people of color…

April 29, 2024

A Comprehensive Approach to Housing Stability for Seniors

By Carol Sainthilaire, Executive Director, The Waterfront Project, Inc. As the Executive Director of The Waterfront Project, Inc., I am continually reminded of the critical need for comprehensive services to ensure housing stability for our community’s seniors. The alarming rise in homelessness among older adults necessitates not just attention but immediate action. Drawing parallels with successful initiatives like those in Multnomah County, Oregon, it becomes evident that a multi-faceted approach…

April 25, 2024

New HUD Regulations: A Step Towards Fair Housing for All

At The Waterfront Project, Inc., we believe that housing is a fundamental human right, and the backbone of stability and opportunity in our lives. That’s why we are encouraged by the recent proposal from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to amend regulations that have long prevented many individuals with conviction histories from accessing HUD-subsidized housing. For too long, public housing authorities and other housing providers have…

Criminalizing the homeless costs three times more than housing them

April 23, 2024

Upholding the Right to Housing—A Call for Compassion and Justice

As the Supreme Court deliberates the pivotal case concerning the city of Grants Pass’s regulations on public camping, The Waterfront Project, Inc. (WFP) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principle that housing is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. This case, which questions whether it is constitutional to penalize homeless individuals for sleeping in public when no shelter alternatives exist, strikes at the core of our advocacy—housing, not handcuffs.…

April 15, 2024

Preventing Evictions Prevents Negative Health Outcomes in Diverse Communities

In Hudson County, New Jersey, a place known for its vibrant, racially diverse communities, the shadow of housing instability looms large, with at least 10,000 eviction filings each year. This staggering number not only disrupts lives but can also have profound psychological impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations such as pregnant African American women. Listen to Matthew Rand’s interview with Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at The Ohio State University…

April 9, 2024

The Waterfront Project, Inc.: Navigating the Housing Crisis in the Wake of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on communities across the globe, exacerbating existing inequalities and unveiling new challenges. Among the most pressing issues is the housing affordability crisis, which has seen a dramatic escalation affecting both renters and homeowners alike. In Hudson County, New Jersey, and the broader Northern NJ area, The Waterfront Project, Inc. (WFP) stands at the forefront of addressing these challenges, offering a beacon of…

A Call to Action: Addressing the Rise in Eviction Rates Amidst Funding ChallengesAffordability and Rising Eviction Rates in N.J.

In a recent discussion with Steve Adubato, Staci Berger, President & CEO of the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ, shed light on the escalating eviction rates in New Jersey and its profound impact on families, especially children. The conversation, which highlights the critical need for affordable housing and the dire consequences of eviction, resonates deeply with us at The Waterfront Project, Inc. (WFP). As we navigate these challenging…

Navigating the Rising Tide of Evictions: The Critical Role of Free Legal Services and Housing Counseling

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities are facing an unprecedented eviction crisis, with filings more than 50% higher than the pre-pandemic average. This alarming statistic, highlighted in a recent report by Princeton’s Eviction Lab, underscores a growing challenge that threatens the stability and well-being of countless families across the nation. The story of Freddie Davis, a Miami resident who faced eviction after his rent was raised by…

We’re hiring

Founded in 2013, The Waterfront Project, Inc. (WFP), is a nonprofit legal help center and HUD-certified counseling agency. WFP Staff Attorneys provide free civil legal representation, brief advice, and advocacy to Hudson County’s most vulnerable residents – the working poor, seniors, homeless, and those living with disabilities. Currently, WFP’s primary focus is pursuing creative legal strategies to allow low-income people to stay in their homes and communities, especially in neighborhoods…

Navigating the Waters of Urban Development

A Legal Perspective on Waterfront Revitalization In the bustling cities of Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey, a legal storm is brewing that highlights the complex interplay between urban development, housing affordability, and the rights of tenants and landlords. The Waterfront Project (WFP) has watched closely as three of the nation’s largest landlords have initiated lawsuits against these cities over rent control regulations. This unfolding scenario underscores the critical importance…