Blog – Page 4

July 11, 2024

Hailing the Successes of WinnCompanies’ Eviction Prevention Program: Lessons for New Jersey

By Carol Sainthilaire At The Waterfront Project, we believe in the transformative power of housing stability. We have been inspired by the recent efforts of WinnCompanies, one of the largest affordable housing operators, and their eviction prevention program. Despite the challenges faced, their initiative has provided valuable insights into how we can strengthen our own efforts in New Jersey. The Successes WinnCompanies’ program initially achieved notable success by proactively intervening with tenants…

July 3, 2024

ADDRESSING JERSEY CITY AS THE SECOND HIGHEST RENT IN THE NATION

By Carol M. Sainthilaire and Alessandra Molina Reading this is bitter news to swallow on the heels of The Waterfront Project’s Justice for All Gala last week, where we chanted HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT. We know that Jersey City and Hudson County have become unaffordable, but it’s sobering to see the numbers. This is why preventing evictions and keeping people housed is so important and why we need to 1.…

June 13, 2024

Addressing the rent crisis: a call to action for hudson county and beyond

By Carol M. Sainthilaire – Executive Director of The Waterfront Project, Inc. As an employee of The Waterfront Project, Inc., I am deeply committed to the belief that housing is a fundamental human right. Our mission is to prevent homelessness through legal advocacy, housing counseling, and supportive services. Recent discussions, such as the one featured in the PBS NewsHour interview with Diane Yentel, CEO of the National Low Income Housing…

Addressing the Rising Tide of Homelessness Among Older Adults: A Call to Action

The Waterfront Project, Inc. (WFP) is acutely aware of the growing crisis of homelessness among older adults, a demographic that is among the fastest-growing in the nation. With projections indicating that the number of homeless individuals over 50 could triple by 2030, the urgency to act is now more pressing than ever. The Growing Challenge As reported by Next Avenue, older adults face unique challenges that predispose them to homelessness. Many are caught…

May 21, 2024

HUD Expands Solutions to Tackle Homelessness with Housing Vouchers

The Waterfront Project’s Housing Team is excited to share some groundbreaking news from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that promises to make a significant impact on the fight against homelessness. HUD has announced new flexibilities in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program that will expedite the process of providing housing assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure…

May 15, 2024

The Critical Role of Housing Stability in Childhood Mental Health

At The Waterfront Project, we understand that the effects of childhood housing insecurity extend far beyond immediate physical needs, deeply impacting mental health into adulthood. A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights a concerning link: children who experience housing insecurity are at a higher risk for long-term anxiety and depression. Why is this important for us at The Waterfront Project? Because it underscores the profound…

May 13, 2024

Advocating for Our Seniors: Addressing the Growing Challenge of Aging and Homelessness

By Carol M. Sainthilaire, Executive Director of The Waterfront Project, Inc. At The Waterfront Project, our commitment to the senior community is driven by a pressing need to address their vulnerabilities, especially concerning housing and legal assistance. Recent discussions, such as those highlighted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, underscore the increasing risk of homelessness among older Americans, exacerbated by economic instability and health disparities. This challenge is particularly…

Addressing the Surge in Homelessness: Insights from HUD’s Annual Report and What it Means for New Jersey

**By Carol Sainthilaire, Executive Director of The Waterfront Project, Inc.** https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-featd-article-043024.html Here’s the 2023-AHAR-Part-1.pdf for you to review. The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress paints a stark picture of homelessness in the United States, including in New Jersey. As we digest this report at The Waterfront Project, Inc., it is crucial to align our strategies with the emerging needs highlighted within this document. **Homelessness in New Jersey** : New…

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…