Northern Ocean Habitat Joins Our Homes, Our Voices Campaign

Northern Ocean Habitat Joins Our Homes, Our Voices Campaign

TOMS RIVER – Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity is joining follow advocates, concerned citizens, and elected officials across New Jersey and across the nation to support Our Homes, Our Voices National Housing Week of Action from May 30 to June 5 to bring more attention to the affordable housing crisis.

In Northern Ocean County and across the U.S.A., far too many families—including low-income seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and families with children—struggle to keep a roof over their heads or are experiencing homelessness.

Despite the growing needs, three out of every four families in need of housing assistance are turned away due to a lack of funding. Because “the rent eats first,” these families are forced to make harmful tradeoffs and skimp on groceries, medical care, and other basic needs. Every state and congressional district is directly impacted.

Threats to affordable housing investments remain, despite the significant increase in funding advocates secured last year. President Trump’s budget proposes to slash investments in affordable housing by $11 billion from current levels—a move that could increase homelessness and housing poverty in our community.

This is the wrong approach. We need to continue to make a bold and sustained commitment to ensure that everyone has a safe, accessible and affordable home. Because when we invest in affordable homes, we invest in people, our communities, and America as a whole—from increased employment and economic mobility to improved health and better education.

“Research shows that when people have safe, decent, and accessible homes that they can afford, they are better able to find and maintain employment, achieve economic mobility, and stay in good health,” said Suzan Fichtner, Executive Director of Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.  “We’re joining the Our Homes, Our Voices campaign to ensure that Congress knows that we support bold and sustained commitments to ensure that everyone can keep a roof over their heads. We firmly believe that all people deserve an affordable home, and no one should be forced to give up food and basic healthcare to keep a roof over their heads. Lawmakers should not only reject President Trump’s call to slash housing benefits, but they must continue to expand them.”