“Don’t wait until it’s too late” United Community Corp. hosts seminar on how to prepare for eviction moratorium’s lifting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newark — United Community Corporation will host a free virtual seminar providing information on how individuals can be better prepared for when the eviction moratorium is lifted. The seminar’s goal will emphasize options available to residents in Newark and Essex County – including rights already built into their leases.

The seminar will be available via Zoom on Saturday, May. 22 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. All participants must register for the event by contacting UCC’s Housing Coordinator Pam McNeill at pam.mcneill@uccnewark.org or UCC’s Housing Counselor Damon Redmond at damon@damonhelps.com.

The key message the seminar wants to leave its attendees with is: “Don’t wait until it’s too late.”

Although Gov. Phil Murphy’s eviction and foreclosure moratorium was extended through at least mid-June, UCC’s panel, featuring McNeill, Redmond, and Esquire Khabirah H. Myers, wants attendees to know all of their options are and how they can be ready when eviction and foreclosure notices begin being filed.

“It is extremely important for people to be knowledgeable of all of the programs available to them and be prepared for when the moratorium is lifted,” McNeill said. “Their knowledge will make or break their housing stability.”

Myers brings a crucial perspective to the panel. She is the coordinator of the Division of Rent Control Board, Office of Tenant Legal Services, Economic and Housing Development from the City of Newark. She will discuss what rights tenants have as well as some resources that can help them directly in the city and beyond.

“Khabirah’s passion and dedication for helping tenants and also educating and informing policymakers on what’s really at stake here is the key and driving force for change,” Redmond said. “We are extremely proud and honored to have her as a part of our team.”

McNeill will speak on UCC’s Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing programs.

Rapid Rehousing addresses individuals who are literally homeless and residing in a shelter, transitional facility, street homeless, or fleeing from domestic violence. The goal of the Rapid Rehousing Program is to ensure that people who are homeless find new accommodations quickly while aiding them with a security deposit and/or three-to-six months of rent. For this component, the moratorium does not apply and services can be rendered at this time.

The Homeless Prevention Program is in place to assist clients with rental and utility payments to stop evictions from occurring. Clients who are eligible for Homeless Prevention can receive up to six months of rental aid and help with utility bills. The goal is to help clients maintain their housing not only during the period they are being helped but beyond as well. Homeless Prevention cannot be rendered until the moratorium is lifted.

Redmond will give an overview of UCC’s Limited Mortgage Assistance Program, designed to help homeowners who have experienced a short-term loss of income due to a hardship they have overcome. This program will pay up to 60-percent of back arrears owed, but the homeowner must be qualified, currently working, and able to afford their current mortgage payment. This program is grant-based so funds would not need to be paid back. Redmond will also dive into other ways people can avoid foreclosure and what to expect when forbearance is over.

“It is imperative that residents are prepared with the right information and understanding of what their legal rights and options are when it comes to them being evicted,” Redmond said. “This event will have a plethora of information and resources.”