Newark - U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that the City of Camden, Union County and Union Township will receive more than $11,513,236 million in federal funding for community development, emergency homeless shelters, housing assistance and supportive services for persons with HIV/AIDS, and to expand access to affordable housing for low-and moderate-income families. The grants, awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are part of four HUD initiatives: The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program, the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program, and the HOME Investment Partnership.

"These investments are revitalizing our communities while creating new opportunities for New Jersey families," said Robert Menendez. "The funding announced today will help ensure everyone in New Jersey, especially the most vulnerable, have access to housing within their means. It will also help guarantee emergency shelter for those who may suddenly find themselves without a place to call home."

"Investing federal funds in local community development and housing programs will help revitalize neighborhoods and expand opportunities to some of New Jersey's most vulnerable," said Senator Lautenberg, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. "This funding will provide critical assistance to families and individuals in need, and help improve communities in the City of Camden and Union County."


The $11,513,236 in federal grants were awarded as follows:

  • City of Camden $4,440,450
    • CDBG - $2,539,556
    • ESG - $122,734
    • HOPWA - $711,612
    • HOME - $1,066,548
  • Union County $6,438,192
    • CDBG - 4,869,487
    • ESG - $236,883
    • HOME - $1,331,822
  • Union Township
    • CDBG - $634,594

The CDBG and HOME programs provide funding to develop decent and affordable housing, enhance infrastructure, and develop economic opportunities primarily in communities with large populations of low and moderate-income families. HOPWA funding provides housing assistance and related support services to meet the special needs of people with HIV and AIDS. The ESG program provides homeless people with basic shelter and other services.

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