The Township of Neptune Housing Authority (TNHA) will receive $1.1 million in emergency federal funding to provide safe housing during the coronavirus pandemic, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) said today. The funding comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which Smith supported and was signed into law by President Trump on March 27.
“This federal grant will help support and expand shelter and housing programs for the residents of Neptune Township and the City of Neptune as we continue our battle through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Smith said. “It will bolster critical housing opportunities for low income residents during an uncertain time for many in the community.
Smith noted that the new grant comes on the heels of previously awarded federal funding to the TNHA used provide masks for residents, stand up sanitizing stations and computer laptops and PPE for staff. He said that the coordinated and combined impact “ensures more and safer opportunities for the homeless during the pandemic.”
TNHA Executive Director Bart Cook said TNHA, which serves housing programs in both the township and the City of Neptune, used $49,500 in HUD funds awarded in April for laptop computers for staff, additional signage throughout their properties encouraging residents to wear masks and social distance; as well as to provide meals and food to over 200 seniors and families every week in conjunction with Monmouth Ocean PAL. Cook said the new grant will support the existing Section 8 Housing and possibly even allow expanded housing.
“We are very excited about the possibilities,” Cook said. “In the current environment, the monies will allow us to stay at the forefront of providing the public fair and safe housing. It could not have come at a better time. Thank you to the congressman. We are very grateful for this grant. We have really invested in the technology to keep the staff, as well as the residents, safe.”
Smith said impact of COVID-19 on the economy has increased the need for public housing.
“The economic devastation brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak has increased the need in many communities for affordable housing, and these federal programs are designed to help keep people healthy and prevent homelessness,” Smith said. “The federal government, through the CARES Act, is helping keep the most vulnerable in our community safe.”
The $1,167,994 for TNHA is provided through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Supplemental Funding provided by the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136), which Smith supported when it passed the House and became law in March. The CARES Act provided additional appropriations for HAP to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus (COVID-19).
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