Hello Friend,
It is hard to believe that we are reaching the end of another year and reaching the annual giving season. While all of us here with the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) were able to move forward from the major disruptions of the past two years, we are now facing new challenges head-on with an appreciation of the collective work needed to get to this point.
As you know, for over thirty years, the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) has been an important part of the success of our communities. Amid an unprecedented housing crisis, the AHA’s role in the community has never been more vital than right now. Take Monmouth and Ocean Counties, where roughly 55% of renters are paying over 30% of their annual income to be housed. And with an estimated statewide shortfall of at least 15,000 affordable homes for families earning under $40,000 annually and almost 700 homeless individuals, the need for our services is more pressing than ever.
From a production standpoint, we are working diligently at increasing the local affordable housing stock for families, seniors, and various special needs populations. In 2023, we plan to break ground on two projects in Millstone, NJ. One will house individuals or families who are currently or formerly homeless, while another will serve seniors with incomes ranging from low to moderate. We are also in the process of creating a pipeline for the development of hundreds of new units over the next several years, as it’s become clear that creating new housing is crucial in our current environment.
While it is never easy to ask for assistance, I’m reaching out this giving season to see if you would be able to help the AHA continue to support our neighbors in need. From an influx of requests tied to the end of pandemic-related housing and utility moratoriums to increased inflation, the AHA is battling this “cost of living” fight on the ground with its service teams of HUD- Certified housing counselors, utility assistance experts, and community partners.
All tax-deductible charitable donations directly contribute to our programs and services. These include courses designed to help make homeownership a reality, support for our community outreach initiatives, and of course our annual holiday toy drive that brings so much joy to the residents of our many affordable units.
Please consider including the Affordable Housing Alliance in your plans this giving season. The easiest way to contribute is by visiting the ‘Donate Now‘ button at the top of this page. Together, we can help keep New Jersey housed safely and securely this year and beyond.
Warm regards and infinite thanks,