As the Affordable Housing Alliance enters 2026, we’re celebrating a significant milestone: our 35th anniversary. This year isn’t just about looking back, it’s about honoring our journey while building the future of affordable housing in New Jersey.
From $25,000 to Thousands of Households Served: The Journey
AHA founder Donna Blaze & the Monmouth Housing Alliance office at 59 Broad Street, Eatontown, NJ
In 1991, Monmouth County faced a critical affordable housing shortage. Founder Donna Blaze responded with vision and determination, establishing the Monmouth Housing Alliance with just $25,000 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
That modest beginning grew into today’s reality:
- Over 600 affordable housing units created
- 7,500+ Households served annually
- Comprehensive Supportive Services that adapt to changing needs
- Award-winning developments recognized statewide
Why This Anniversary Matters
Affordable housing solutions are needed now more than ever in NJ. In Monmouth County, median home prices exceed $700,000 putting homeownership out of reach for teachers, municipal workers, and families who serve our communities.
But we’ve never been better positioned to respond. In 2025 alone, we:
- Opened Allen House II and Novad Court, housing seniors and families transitioning from homelessness
- Broke ground on Millstone Commons 27 Burnt Tavern Road, New Jersey’s first 100% affordable LIHTC project using on-site well and septic systems
- Launched our Pine Tree manufactured home initiative, offering homes as low as $75K in a $745K median market
- Were selected for the state’s Hurricane Ida Smart Move Recovery Program (one of only 5 developers) to develop 6 single-family homes with our Robbinsville Gordon Homes project
Join Our Journey to 35
Throughout 2026, we’ll share stories from our timeline, spotlight the people who built this organization, and invite you to be part of our next chapter.
We’re working toward $35,000 for 35 years: $1,000 for each year of impact. Whether it’s $35 or another meaningful amount, every gift helps us reach more families in need.
“I’m a single mom who operated in survival mode for most of my daughter’s life. After completing AHA’s Financial Counseling course, I now have the tools to gain financial security for myself AND pass this amazing knowledge down to my daughter. I am so grateful for Iris and Lynn. They were so patient, informative, and inspiring every step of the way!”
— Financial Counseling Client
This is why we do this work. Housing stability isn’t just about four walls, it’s about creating pathways to financial security and building generational change.
Save the Date: October 7, 2026
Mark your calendar for our anniversary celebration. We’ll gather to honor 35 years of impact and commit to the next chapter of affordable housing in New Jersey.
More details are coming soon, but for now –thank you for being part of our journey. Whether you’re a long-time partner, resident, donor, or someone just learning about our work, you’re part of this story.
From $25,000 to thousands of households served. That’s what 35 years of partnership can accomplish.
What will we build together in the next 35?
