Blog - The Waterfront Project,Inc.

September 15, 2025

What is a “Zombie” Second Mortgage?

By Patricia Ellams, Foreclosure Specialist at The Waterfront Project Zombie Mortgage Loan foreclosures are on the rise in New Jersey. If you’ve recently discovered along-forgotten second mortgage or Home Equity Line of Credit coming back to haunt you, it’simportant to understand your rights. Can I Lose My Home to a Zombie Mortgage? Yes, it’s possible to lose your home due to a zombie mortgage foreclosure. A zombie mortgageis a mortgage…

September 11, 2025

Addressing Recent Housing News in Newark, New Jersey: What a 30% Drop in Unsheltered Homelessness Means for Housing Justice

In a moment of deep housing insecurity across New Jersey, one story stands out as a beacon of hope: Newark has reduced unsheltered homelessness by more than 30% in just four years. This achievement, led by the city and Essex County’s coordinated Office of Homeless Services, shows that systemic change is possible when communities invest in housing solutions that meet people where they are. The strategies behind Newark’s success are…

September 9, 2025

The Waterfront Project’s Attorneys Reverse Eviction of 10-Year Tenant with Rent Control

Written by Elizabeth Hurley, Legal Director of The Waterfront Project The Waterfront Project’s attorneys met Mr. J. in court on a Wednesday after he had been evicted two days earlier from his rent-controlled apartment of 10 years. Mr. J. explained that he had been approved for rental assistance from Hudson County Department of Family Services (“HCDFS”), but the court found he had not provided sufficient proof that the grant was…

August 1, 2025

Protecting Tenants and Homeowners in 1–4 Family Owner-Occupied Properties Facing Foreclosure

Written by William “Bill” Paige, Foreclosure Specialist- HUD Certified Housing Counselor The foreclosure process in New Jersey is complex, often misunderstood, and has far-reaching implications—not only for homeowners but also for renters residing in small, owner-occupied properties. At The Waterfront Project, Inc., our HUD-certified foreclosure counselors are at the forefront of efforts to provide vital support to both groups. Preserving Homeownership Homeowners of 1–4 family properties facing foreclosure are not without…

July 25, 2025

Forced Treatment Is Not a Housing Strategy: 5 Reasons to Reject the Executive Order on Homelessness

By Carol Sainthilaire, Executive Director of The Waterfront Project What if your city had to choose between federal housing dollars and your civil rights? That’s the choice this morning’s Executive Order demands. Its title—“Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets”—says plenty. It isn’t housing policy. It isn’t public health strategy. It’s a smokescreen. As a housing policy leader in New Jersey, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when policy ignores the…

July 1, 2025

Client Success Story – Winning the Fight Against Illegal Apartment

By Stefany Perez, HUD Certified Housing Counselor A client contacted The Waterfront Project about living in an illegal apartment with poor conditions. After coordinating with the client to have the property inspected, it was confirmed that the unit was indeed illegal. I contacted the landlord and demanded relocation assistance on behalf of our client, as required due to the unit’s illegality. The landlord responded by hiring an attorney and ultimately…

June 25, 2025

Happy Homeownership Month! – June 2025

By Maria Mascola, WFP HUD-Certified Housing Counselor and Foreclosure Specialist Here at The Waterfront Project (WFP), we believe that Housing is a Human Right! With June being Homeownership Month, we want to remind you that The WFP is here to assist you through this process. Reach out to one of our HUD-Certified Housing Counselors to help navigate your best options at reaching this fundamental human right. Every family deserves the opportunity to reap the benefits of homeownership—from building generational wealth, to building memories for years to come. We take great pride and are highly…

June 9, 2025

Client Success Story – Keeping a Family Together Through Legal Advocacy

By Elizabeth Hurley, Legal Director at The Waterfront Project Our client, Ms. G., suffers from advanced cancer and is caring full-time for her four-year-old grandson who has autism and is non-verbal. Her gross income is limited to approximately $300 per month in Social Security income, which arrives on the 13th of the month. Ms. G. was unable to pay her $100 portion of the rent (the difference is subsidized through Section…

June 6, 2025

Client Success Story – Hope, Teamwork, and Saving Families

By Tracy T., Resource Navigator at The Waterfront Project On Wednesday, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) sent over a referral for a client in Bergen County. I immediately took on the case and contacted the client, who was only available to complete an intake on Monday, June 2, 2025. During the intake, I quickly learned that we were racing against the clock—her housing court date was scheduled for just…

May 19, 2025

Support for Veterans Facing Foreclosure

By Willaim “Bill” Paige When a veteran purchases a home using a VA-guaranteed home loan, the loan is typically transferred to a mortgage servicer after closing. This servicer manages the loan, including receiving monthly payments and providing assistance if issues arise. If the veteran experiences difficulty making payments and the loan becomes delinquent, the VA offers supplemental servicing support to help resolve the default. While the mortgage servicer is the…