Menendez, Lautenberg Announce More Than $6 Million to Increase Access to Housing for Low and Moderate Income Families, Underserved Communities in Paterson

Washington - U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that Paterson will receive a $6.387 million federal investment to expand access to affordable housing for low-and moderate-income families through various housing development, community revitalization, and emergency homeless shelter programs. The grants, awarded and administered through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are part of four HUD initiatives: The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the HOME Investment Partnership, the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program, and the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program.

Senator Menendez said: "With this investment we are expanding access to housing and shelter and helping create additional jobs and economic opportunities for New Jersey families that will result from these efforts to revitalize our communities. The funding announced today will help ensure everyone in New Jersey, including the most vulnerable, have access to housing within their means. It will also help guarantee emergency shelter for those that may suddenly find themselves without a roof over their head."

Senator Lautenberg, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development said: "Investing federal funds into local housing and community programs marks an important commitment to Paterson families. This funding will provide critical assistance to families and individuals in need, and help improve Paterson's neighborhoods."

The $6, 387,110 in federal grants were awarded to Paterson as follows:
• $3,203,229 in CDBG funds.
• $128,592 in ESG funds.
• $1,651,083 in HOME funds.
• $1,404, 206 in HOPWA funds.

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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