TRENTON – The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) today announced the launch of its new 501(c)(4) organization, the Housing and Community Development Network Action Fund (HCDN Action Fund). The Network Action Fund will primarily focus on strengthening advocacy efforts around housing and community development by lobbying and organizing community education and awareness initiatives to support policies that prioritize housing as a human right. It will also be able to engage directly in the political process to identify and promote leaders who share these same values.

The HCDN Action Fund Board of Directors includes:

•Chair: Carol Sainthilare, executive director, The Waterfront Project
•Vice Chair: Staci Berger, president & chief executive officer, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
•Treasurer: Harold Simon, founding publisher, Shelterforce (retired)
•Tracy Rogers, founder, Asbury Park Affordable Housing Coalition
•Calandria Ortiz Resende, housing advocate
•Mila Jasey, NJ Assemblywoman (retired)
•Daniel Antonellis, president, Region Nine Housing Corporation
•Frances O’Toole, chief development officer, Coming Home of Middlesex County
•Brandi Johnson, executive director, Camden Lutheran Housing

The Action Fund will advocate for legislation, regulations, and public investment to improve access to affordable homes, support the work of community development corporations (CDCs), and revitalize distressed neighborhoods across New Jersey.

“I am honored to chair the HCDN Action Fund Board,” said Carol Sainthilare, executive director, The Waterfront Project and founder, Saint Impact Ventures. “This new chapter will allow us to build on decades of housing advocacy and engage more directly with the political process to create lasting change for our neighbors and communities.”

“New Jersey does not lack ideas to solve to our housing affordability, security and stability crisis. However, we are sorely missing the political will needed to implement bold, meaningful, long-term solutions to make sure everyone can afford to call New Jersey home,” said Berger, vice chair of the HCDN Action Fund and president & chief executive officer of the Network. “The Network Action Fund will give our members another tool to help them advocate for laws and policies, and support leaders who share our vision for stronger, affordable communities and to hold them accountable once in office.”

“It’s an honor to be part of the founding trustees of the HCDN Action Fund,” said Harold Simon, former publisher, Shelterforce Magazine. “It’s vital to be able to educate legislators and our fellow New Jerseyans about the important policies that move our state closer to having a decent, affordable home for every resident. I look forward to the work we’ll all be doing together.”

“This Fund creates a platform to ensure the voices of New Jersey’s communities are not only heard but acted upon,” said Daniel Antonellis, board member and president of the Region Nine Housing Corporation. “By uniting housing advocates statewide, we can help shape policies that truly reflect the needs of the people we serve.”

“Serving on the HCDN Action Fund Board gives us the opportunity to engage with policymakers and candidates from the very beginning of their public service,” said Calandria Ortiz Resende, housing advocate. “We can share priorities, evaluate commitments, and support policies and leaders who recognize housing as a human right and are ready to work alongside our communities to make it a reality.”

The HCDN Action Fund’s mission is to strengthen the environment for CDCs and ensure New Jersey communities have the resources they need to thrive.