WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today recognized the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's awarding of a total $13,138,927 to New Jersey communities in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solution Grant (ESG) and HOME funding, which support affordable housing, economic development, and homeless services and shelters.

"This vital funding will help New Jersey communities meet their critical local housing needs, revitalize struggling neighborhoods and expand economic opportunity for all," Sen. Menendez said. "We all suffer when we allow our middle and working class neighbors to fall further behind during difficult economic times. Increasing affordable housing options provides struggling individuals and families with the security and basic dignity of having a roof over their heads. We must provide local officials with the tools they need to keep families together, rebuild neighborhoods and improve overall quality of life for the entire community."

"I am grateful to HUD for these grants and the relief it will offer New Jerseyans who are struggling to find safe and affordable housing," said Sen. Booker. "This funding and the assistance it provides will empower individuals and revive New Jersey's low-income, urban communities."

Grant information follows:

  • East Orange
    $1,324,492     CDBG Grant
    71,893     HOME Grant
  • Essex County
    $4,605,513     CBDG Grant
    382,751     ESG Grant
    877,134     HOME Grant
  • Long Branch
    $406,885     CDBG Grant
  • Union County
    $4,105,540     CDBG Grant
    340,401     ESG Grant
    866,248     HOME Grant
  • Wayne Township
    $158,070     CDBG Grant

The CDBG program provides annual grants to states and local communities to develop viable urban communities by offering decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

The ESG program provides funding to expand homeless outreach; improve the number, quality and operations of emergency homeless shelters; provide essential services to shelter residents, find them new places to live and prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless.

The HOME program helps expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and moderate-income families by providing grants to states and local communities to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.

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