Bergen County Lands More Than $12M in Fed Affordable Housing Funds

NEWARK, NJ—US Senators Bob Menedez and Cory Booker announced on Monday the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Community Planning and Development has awarded $18.75 million in funding earmarked for affordable housing throughout the State of New Jersey.

The funding comes from three federal grant programs designed to revitalize struggling neighborhoods and expand access to affordable housing—The Community Development Block (CDBG) Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME).

Bergen County secured more than half of the HUD funds at $9,078,076 in Community Development Block Grants, another $2,625,823 in federal HOME funding and another $771,935 in Energy Solution Grant funding.

“Revitalizing New Jersey’s struggling communities takes a comprehensive approach that recognizes the importance of safe, affordable housing, economic opportunity and the services individuals and families need to overcome obstacles and secure their future,” said Sen. Menendez, ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development.

“Expanding access to affordable housing, boosting economic opportunities, and reinvigorating New Jersey’s struggling neighborhoods all help our communities succeed,” said Sen. Booker. “Federal investments like these are crucial to lifting up our communities and creating long-lasting change for all New Jerseyans.”

The HUD funding follows the combined $31 million in HUD grants announced by the senators earlier this summer that support the growth and revitalization of communities.

In addition to the aforementioned Bergen County grant awards, the following New Jersey counties secured financing—CDBG: Ocean County, $,352,468; Gloucester County, $1,347,415; Lakewood Township, $1,047,682; Toms River, $373,151 and Brick Township, $299,207. HOME: Ocean County, $1,281,999 and Gloucester County, $573,217.