The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Apr 2020

# * # ! )"( %%' ""$' ( $" & "" ' & " " " ' % * # ' " ' " ' " ! ( " ) ' & " " ' " # $ % ( " " %) www.cjhrc.org • cjhrc@verizon.net • 908-704-8901 Central Jersey Housing Resource Cen- ter Corp. (CJHRC) will host an open house at their new location on Thursday, April 30 from 3pm until 6pm. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 3:30 pm. This event will also wrap up Somerset County Housing Month in Somerset County. “The availability of fair and affordable housing in Somer- set County is vital to strength- ening our local economy and establishing vibrant neighbor- hoods,” said Freeholder Direc- tor Shanel Y. Robinson. “The County has a long history supporting the Fair Housing Act and the efforts of towns and local agencies, including the Central Jersey Housing Resource Center, to develop affordable housing. I would like to welcome the Central Jersey Housing Resource Cen- ter to its new Somerville location and wish them continued success as they help residents overcome the obstacles of finding housing.” Central Jersey Housing Resource Cen- ter’s (CJHRC) was founded in 1987. Its mis- sion is to be the leader in the provision of housing information and referral services to meet the needs of very low-income, low- income and moderate-income people looking for affordable housing by providing outreach programs and services that result in increased acceptance, recognition, and availability of quality affordable housing. CJHRC's staff assists approximately 1,200 clients annually with pertinent infor- mation they need to make informed decisions to achieve their housing and financial goals. Clients are assisted individually and are also encouraged to attend group educational programs. By providing free counseling services to individuals and families who are unable to find it elsewhere, CJHRC counselors are able to make a positive impact on their lives. “We are often the first place households turn to when seeking housing. There are no other agencies offering the same or similar pro- grams in our area,” stated Sharon Clark, Exec- utive Director. “The need for secure and appropriate housing is a basic human need for everyone. Somerset County is fortunate that the local Freeholders as well as our many, many part- ners continue to support and recognize this,” stated Jennifer Laterra, CJRHC Board President. April has been proclaimed Somerset Coun- ty Housing Month by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders for the past 28 years. The focus has been on the efforts of numerous non-profit organizations, housing service providers, elected officials, state and county agencies and others to promote and preserve fair housing while helping to create and preserve housing opportunities for the residents of Somerset County. The new location for CJHRC at 92 East Main Street, Somerville NJ 08876 is directly across from a bus stop and a few blocks from the Somerville Train Station. The new space is in a handicapped accessible building and will allow for CJHRC to hold their workshops and programs right in their office space the major- ity of the time. “We hope the community, non-profits, government officials, government employees and others will attend our open house and will want to tour our new space on April 30,” stated Kenneth Myers, First Vice President of CJHRC . The availability of fair and affordable housing in Somerset County is vital to strengthening our local economy and establishing vibrant neighborhoods. By providing free counseling services to individuals and families who are unable to find it elsewhere, CJHRC counselors are able to make a positive impact on their lives. Central Jersey Housing Resource Center Corp. Has a New Home home & design PAGE 18 theconnectionsnj.com