Washington - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced a total of $61.5 million in federal funding to New Jersey for housing programs and community development grants. The resources will help working and low-income New Jerseyans throughout the state own and obtain housing and will support community development activities.

"Affordable housing is not always easy to come by in our state, which is why these grants are so beneficial to working and low-income New Jerseyans," said Menendez. "These programs are helping hard-working residents who are searching for housing put a roof over their heads. In the Senate, I will continue to fight the Administration's proposed cuts and underfunding of our nation's essential housing programs."

"There is a real shortage of affordable housing in New Jersey and across the nation. These grants will help many families find homes at prices they can afford. Owning a home is a big part of the American dream and these funds will help make that dream a reality for many working families in New Jersey," said Sen. Lautenberg.

"Federal funds allow Bergen County to assist first-time homebuyers, provide affordable housing, promote economic growth, and offer emergency shelters to the homeless," said Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney. "By securing these grants we are able to reduce our property taxes, help our neediest residents, and improve the quality of life for all of Bergen County."

The funding breakdown by community, amount and program is found here:

menendez.senate.gov/pdf/HUDgrantnotification071907.pdf

The funding is distributed under a few different programs:

· American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI): A new initiative under the HOME program is the ADDI which will promote homeownership opportunities by providing necessary resources for downpayment and closing cost assistance to low-income and minority households.

· Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): provides annual grants to States and local units of government to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

· Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG): provides annual grants to State, local, and private entities to improve the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters.

· HOME: helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to States and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.

· Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA): provides housing assistance and related supportive services to local units of government, States and non-profit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families.

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