On-site help offered at Housing Assistance Workshop on Feb. 19 by United Community Corp. and Clinton Hill Community Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newark – United Community Corporation and Clinton Hill Community Action are teaming up to host a housing assistance workshop providing on-site assistance in real-time at 404 Hawthrone Avenue in Newark from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 19.

The seminar will help clients in danger of being evicted, those already evicted, those looking to find a home, those with months of rental/mortgage arrears, and those behind on their energy bills. 

“It’s crucial for our organization to go out and provide outreach in the community because so many individuals have been affected by the pandemic,” UCC’s Housing Assistance Program Manager Tabatha Perez said. “While our department has been doing outreach during these trying circumstances, we’ve learned that oftentimes people don’t know where to turn for help. UCC’s Housing Assistance Team takes great pleasure in assisting these individuals with all of their Comprehensive Eviction Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing needs.”

UCC staff will be on-site to help clients fill out applications for UCC’s Comprehensive Eviction Prevention Program (CEP), do screenings and begin processing for UCC’s Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention programs, and begin the application process for UCC’s Energy Assistance programs (LIHEAP and PAGE).

In order to receive on-site help, attendees should bring as much of the following documentation as possible: State ID or driver’s license, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Hardship Letter, Rent Ledger, Lease, Supporting Documents proving that you’ve been affected by COVID-19, and Paystubs.

For more information about necessary documents and application process or to schedule an individual appointment contact UCC’s Housing Assistance Department at housingassistance@uccnewark.org or 973-629-7885.

“Since the Moratorium has been lifted, many are facing homelessness,” Perez said. “Providing on-site assistance is key to ensure that we keep our turnaround time to a minimum and successfully assist clients in obtaining a stable housing situation.”

There are different options available to help those facing eviction and this workshop will help residents identify what program fits their needs and allow them to at least begin the application process on-site.

“Landlords may proceed with the eviction process now that the moratorium has expired,” UCC’s Housing Coordinator Pamela McNeill said. “As a result, Homeless Prevention ESG COVID funds are available to provide assistance as well as Rapid Rehousing Funding. There is an urgency and importance to provide assistance and make assistance available to help eliminate homelessness.”

The seminar will feature five guest speakers. 

Perez will break down the Comprehensive Eviction Prevention Program, which was funded by the NJDCA. Redmond will discuss UCC’s Limited Mortgage Assistance Program, which targets homeowners that are facing foreclosure. McNeill will discuss Rental Assistance Options, as well as UCC’s Rapid Rehousing program, which focuses on helping residents without addresses find homes. UCC Director of Community Engagement Richard Greco will go over the role of both the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in lifting working families out of poverty and creating opportunities for economic mobility as tax season progresses.  The final speaker will be Essex County Legal Aid owner and president Yvette Gibbons, ESQ.

“The housing situation is not getting any better and has only gotten worse,” Redmond said. “The courts are still trying to process the overwhelming number of evictions filed. With lock out dates being requested, it is even more imperative for renters and homeowners to seek assistance during these troubling times. In this uncertain environment, you always need good counsel, and Ms. Gibbons and her team have a plethora of knowledge and resources to assist families in need.”

Constant conversations about housing assistance like this are extremely important to make sure that residents know all of their rights and options. This is the sixth housing assistance seminar held by United Community Corporation, which has served as the City of Newark’s Community Action Agency since 1965.