By Carol M. Sainthilaire, Executive Director of The Waterfront Project
At The Waterfront Project, we believe that housing is a fundamental human right, and every day, our team fights to protect that right for our community’s most vulnerable residents. Recently, we had the privilege of supporting a young family in their time of dire need.
On December 31st, a new mother gave birth at a local hospital to a healthy baby, but her joy was overshadowed by an urgent housing crisis. Just weeks earlier, on November 29th, she, her partner, and their one-year-old child were forced out of their shared home by the landlord without any formal eviction proceedings. Thanks to temporary assistance from Hudson County, the family was placed in a hotel, but on the day the mother went into labor, they were informed via email that their emergency assistance had been terminated. The family, with nowhere else to go, faced the terrifying prospect of spending the night in their car, with a newborn and a toddler.
The mother’s discharge from the hospital was imminent, and the family’s one-year-old, who had been staying with a friend, needed to be reunited with them. This was a true emergency, and traditional legal processes like fair hearings could not address the immediacy of their situation.
Advocating for Immediate Solutions
Liz Hurley, The Waterfront Project’s Legal Director, immediately contacted Hudson County’s Department of Family Services (HCDFS) to advocate for an extension of the family’s emergency assistance. Initially, HCDFS denied the request, citing the absence of a formal court order and recommending that the family pursue the fair hearing process or seek assistance from a local community development organization. However, Liz recognized that these options could not provide the immediate relief needed to protect this vulnerable family.
Drawing on her legal expertise, Liz effectively communicated the family’s urgent need for stability and shelter, underscoring the critical nature of their situation. After thoughtful discussion and consideration, HCDFS agreed to reinstate emergency assistance through the following Monday, allowing the family to return to temporary housing that afternoon. This decision reflects the shared commitment between The Waterfront Project and HCDFS to support families in times of crisis.
A Path to Stability
This intervention provided the family with critical time to connect with Garden State Community Development Corporation and begin crafting a transitional housing plan. The family could focus on healing and regrouping after the birth of their baby, without the immediate fear of homelessness hanging over them.
The Bigger Picture
This success story is more than just a resolution for one family—it underscores the importance of The Waterfront Project’s work. Families like this often fall through the cracks of systems that can’t respond to emergencies quickly enough. By stepping in with urgency and compassion, our team ensures that no one is left behind during their most vulnerable moments.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of HCDFS, Liz Hurley, and The Waterfront Project team, this family was spared from homelessness and given a chance to find long-term stability. This is the power of advocacy, partnerships, and legal intervention, and it’s why we remain committed to fighting for housing justice every day.