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.
* IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR ALLENDALE HOUSING - SEE BLUE BOX HIGHLIGHT *
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.
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.
Riverside Plaza - 40 Accessible, Affordable Apartments in Lyndhurst
Because of continued Chapter outreach, we have another exciting housing opportunity in Bergen County. The Housing Authority of Bergen County (HABC) has made Section 8 housing subsidy vouchers available for one bedroom apartments in Lyndhurst. The Chapter is partnering with the HABC to reach the population of people who require MS supportive services; the Chapter will provide a service plan for those residents who have MS and will follow up with each of them to be sure that they are aware of the available services.
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 joining them on their next permanent supportive housing project, Crescent Commons in Allendale, NJ. The property is across from the 110 acre Crestwood Park and will offer 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. 17 residents will be individuals with developmental disabilities and 6 residents will be 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. Ten adults with developmental disabilities now live independently for the first time in their lives.
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. To watch the project as it is being built visit www.bergenunitedway.org.
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, contact Allison at the Chapter at 732-508-4423 or allison.cerco@nmss.org. Please call the Housing Authority of Bergen County with any questions or for further details at 201-569-7454.
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:
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“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.