The NJ Metro Chapter advocates on behalf of all people who are affected by a diagnosis of MS. We listen to people that live with MS, we learn about their needs and we look to help find resources and solutions.
A Need for Accessible, Affordable Housing
A Chapter wide survey was launched in 2009 to learn more about the housing needs of people with MS. The Chapter used the results of that survey to help move the mission forward. From your voices, we know there is a great need for suitable accessible and affordable housing. To help meet that need, the Chapter has begun several initiatives to provide housing.
The National MS Society and Regan Development Corporation are pleased to announce a Brand New Accessible, Affordable Rental Housing Opportunity
in Bayonne, NJ
Summer 2013 Occupancy
6 Wonderful Fully Accessible, Supportive Housing Apartments
for People Needing Support Services Available in a Larger 46 Apartment Building!
• 46 total brand new state of the art apartments, including 6 One and Two Bedroom Accessible Independent Rental Apartments at incredibly affordable rent levels for Qualified Applicants
• Each of the 6 accessible apartments come equipped with special features to ease your daily living, including automatic apartment door openers, hard wood and ceramic tile floors, fully accessible kitchens with slide out shelving and accessible appliances, spacious fully accessible bathrooms with special transfer showers, and many other wonderful features.
• Conveniently Located at 45th Street and Avenue E in Bayonne, just yards from elevator access to the 45th Street Bergen Essex Light Rail Station. The Plaza is also easily accessible by car and bus transportation (including NJ Transit Access Link), and is close to shopping and entertainment.
Click here for a brochure and applicaton.
Kershaw Commons – 30 Accessible, Affordable Apartments in Freehold Township
The result of the Chapter’s partnership with Regan Development Corporation is Kershaw Commons in Freehold, a supportive housing development specifically for people living with disabilities that are in need of MS support services. The services include but are not limited to MS specific self-help groups; MS wellness classes, Information and Referral to MS medical personnel or specialized service providers. Individuals may apply for this residence, but please be informed that currently there is a waiting list.
Accessible, Affordable Apartments in Bergen County
Through continued Chapter outreach, other exciting housing opportunities have been developed in Bergen County. The Housing Authority of Bergen County (HABC) has made Section 8 housing subsidy vouchers available for one bedroom apartments at the Heritage in Lyndhurst. The Chapter has partnered with the HABC to reach the population of people who require MS supportive services. Although applications are no longer accepted for this specific residence in Lyndhurst, the HABC may have other opportunities for your application. More information about the HABC can be found on their website at www.habcnj.org or at 201-336-7600.
Housing in Allendale
Bergen County's United Way is turning lives around. They're building homes that people can afford including some Very Special Homes© for the developmentally disabled. They have formed a partnership with the Madeline Corporation, a non-profit affordable housing developer to providing safe, affordable housing serving families, seniors and special needs individuals throughout the State of New Jersey. The National MS Society, NJ Metro Chapter is pleased to be join them on their permanent supportive housing project, Crescent Commons in Allendale, NJ. The property is across from the 110 acre Crestwood Park and offers residents access to open space, recreational facilities and is also within easy walking distance of a bustling downtown convenient for shopping, employment, transportation (including commuter rail), community services, and house of worship. The apartments are home to individuals with developmental disabilities and to individuals with MS. All must meet the income qualifications for the affordable rental units.
The BCUW/Madeline Partnership is designated as a Certified Housing Development Corporation (CHDO) by the New Jersey State Department of Community Affairs and recognized as a developer of choice by the New Jersey State Department of Developmental Disabilities. In 2010, their Orchard Commons Special Needs Housing in Allendale, NJ received Governor Christie’s Excellence in Housing Award for Best Supportive Housing. To watch the Crescent Commons project as it was being built, visit www.bergenunitedway.org.
Applications are no longer accepted for this initiative in Allendale; residents began to move in to their apartments in January, 2013.
For more information about housing opportunities for people living with disabilities that are in need of MS support services, contact Allison Cerco at Allison.cerco@nmss.org or call 800-344-4867.
Housing in Park Ridge
The Housing Authority of Bergen County (HABC) is accepting applications for Lehmann Gardens in Park Ridge. Lehman Gardens is an affordable garden apartment complex with one and two bedroom units, specifically designed for people who use wheelchairs. Although there are currently no available apartments, applications are now accepted for the waiting list status. The income limits are:
- 1 person family - $33,150/year
- 2 person -$37,850/year.
For an application and for more information about this housing opportunity in Park Ridge, contact Robert Moore at Housing Authority of Bergen County at (201)935-0790 ext. 102.
A Special Opportunity for People Who Wish to Transition from Nursing Facilities
For any person with a diagnosis of MS that resides a long a term care facility, please be advised of the following:
On January 11, 2011, HUD awarded 100 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to assist people to transition from nursing homes and other health care institutions into the community. This brand new program can help people living with MS find a new life in the community, with the financial assistance allowing long term success.
Who Can Be Helped?
Existing Nursing Home Residents currently qualified for Medicaid funded services. Assuming these existing nursing home residents are clinically appropriate to live outside of a nursing home with proper support services, this program can help.
What Help is Available?
Under this special program, two important benefits are now available:
-
“Money Follows the Person” transition and service dollars that will allow community based services for Medicaid eligible people. This program is designed to help people leave institutional settings, and also funds the community based services needed for life outside of an institution.
- HUD-funded Housing Choice Vouchersthat will enable eligible people to receive rental assistance, so that they only pay 30% of their income towards housing expense (rent plus utilities). These vouchers can be used for rental apartments anywhere in the community where landlords will accept them. This crucial rental assistance has often been a missing piece to allow very low income people the opportunity to afford rents in their community.
To learn more about these two important programs, view the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services website at: http://www.state.nj.us/health/senior/go_nft.shtml.