TRENTON – Following Governor Phil Murphy’s State of the State address, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey’s (the Network) President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement:

“In a year of overwhelming hardship and challenges, Governor Murphy has led our state with the compassion and transparency we need during this health crisis. We know that housing is health, and this has never been truer than it is in the midst of this pandemic. We applaud the Governor’s call to the Legislature to deliver the People’s Bill for his signature. This proposal will provide time for tenants and homeowners to make back rent and mortgage payments, especially now as federal funds to support NJ residents become more available. This is the same model that NJ rightly followed in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, and we believe it is an appropriate roadmap back from the pandemic.

“We are grateful for this Administration’s willingness to have open lines of communication, creating opportunities to collaborate to solve New Jersey’s housing crisis. The Murphy Administration has made good on its commitment to fully fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, after a decade of disinvestment. With legislators and advocates, and under the leadership of Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, the Administration has adopted cutting edge programs to keep people safely housed, in this pandemic and in the future.

“The path ahead will not be easy but we will get through this and be able to build a thriving New Jersey. We thank Governor Murphy and our state leaders for working tirelessly to keep New Jerseyans safe and informed.”

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.