def #45 02/27/08

HOUSING REHAB PROGRAM GETS A BOOST; REFLECTS INCREASE IN HOUSING MATERIALS AND COSTS

TOMS RIVER – Low and moderate income families in Ocean County have been able to rely on the county’s housing rehabilitation program for help with window replacements, roof repairs, electrical upgrades and a host of necessary improvements.

“Since the program was first implemented in Ocean County in 1984 with Community Development Block Grant funds we have helped rehabilitate 582 housing units,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Planning Department. “This program has proven to be invaluable to low and moderate income families.”

The county is now moving ahead with plans to adjust the maximum subsidy limits to reflect the increase in housing and construction costs over the past few years.

Under the proposed amendment the maximum amount a qualified participant could receive under the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program would be $20,000 up from $15,000. In addition, the caps currently on the HOME Housing Rehabilitation Program would increase by $5,000.

“The existing limits are outdated in relation to the increase in housing and the cost of materials over the past several years,” Little said. “These numbers need to be updated in order to make certain the people who qualify for this assistance can get the necessary work completed on their homes.”

Anthony M. Agliata, Ocean County Assistant Planning Director, noted the caps have not been adjusted since the housing rehabilitation program was implemented 24 years ago.

“This program is part of a larger action plan Ocean County has had in place to help people get into their own homes and to maintain them properly,” Little said. “These programs have helped make a positive difference in the lives of many of our residents.”

For instance, Little noted that under the First-Time Homebuyer Program, almost 300 low income families have received down payment assistance for the purchase of a home. The program coupled with the American Dream Downpayment Initiative has resulted in a total real estate value in Ocean County of $31.6 million.

“We expect an additional 20 individuals or families will benefit from this program this year,” Little said.

All of these programs will be topics during an upcoming Workforce Housing Summit sponsored in part by the Ocean County Department of Human Services and Planning Department.

The summit, which was postponed because of bad weather on Feb. 22, will be rescheduled in June. A date has not yet been determined.

Little said that in addition to the First-Time Homebuyers Program, 175 housing units have been rehabilitated under the HOME Housing Rehabilitation Program and work will be done to about eight houses this year under that program for low income families.

And, Little noted that the county works hand in hand with Community Housing Development Organizations like OCEAN Inc., Homes Now, and Homes for All Inc. in developing or rehabilitating homes in neighborhoods to add to the supply of affordable rental housing to low income families.

“These agencies along with the county provide a place to start for low income families to get into affordable housing,” Little said. “Agencies like OCEAN Inc., Homes Now and Home for All Inc. provide outstanding services that help low income families make a better life for themselves.”

Agliata said that 553 low income families also have been provided rent subsidies under the county’s Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program.

“Ocean County has a comprehensive program to assist residents with putting a roof over their heads,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “We are always reviewing these programs to make certain they are effective and beneficial to those who need our help most.”


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