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March 25, 2009
Donna DelValle testifies before NJ Senate Budget Appropriations Committee
On February 26, 2009, Donna DelValle, Executive Director of Start Easy Eagle Development, Corp. (SEED, Corp.) testified in Trenton opposing bill S2485. Ms. DelValle addressed the Hon. Barbara Buono, Chair, Senate Budget Committee, and all Committee members.
Ms. DelValle states, "The bill as currently drafted would not achieve its stated goal of stimulating the economy and would impede production of affordable housing in New Jersey. In fact, as a consultant, SEED, Corp. has been working on an affordable housing project over the last 4 months that is now unable to proceed due to the pending bill."
SEED, Corp. was in the process of developing a new group home and supportive apartment in the Township of Sparta as part of the municipal Round 3 COAH plan. As a consultant, SEED, Corp. coordinated with the municipality, a private developer, and a for profit social service agency to bring a viable affordable housing project for 5 special needs adults to completion.
The affordable housing project was ready to commence construction when bill S2485 was introduced. The developer owns the land and approvals, is donating soft costs incurred to the project, and was ready to construct the units immediately. The Township of Sparta would contribute municipal developer fees so that the social service agency could leverage a private permanent mortgage.
As a member of the Affordable Housing Professionals of New Jersey, Ms. DelValle also presented the Associations position paper opposing the bill. "Donna, you did a really great job advocating, both for your own development and for the concerns of AHPNJ. Thank you so much for your support," said Frank Piazza, Piazza & Associates, President, AHPNJ.
Click here to download audio file [MP3]
March 25, 2009
Good news for Hoboken Homeless Shelter
...And in this economy, we can use some good news, right? The Hoboken Homeless Shelter has gotten more money for its "permanent supportive housing" program!
Shelter Director Jaclyn Cherubini sent this note to supporters:
"I have WONDERFUL NEWS to share with you!!! HUD is granting $5 million to Hudson County for current & new projects for the homeless. 2 of these new projects include The Hoboken Shelter for our newest initiative: Permanent Supportive Housing Program!!! We have partnered with our friends at SEED, Corp. for this new venture.
SEED, Corp. will be receiving this funding from HUD in order to secure & provide the affordable housing for our guests to move in to & we will need to raise the funds in order to provide these (soon to be formerly homeless) individuals with case management/support services led by the amazing James Shipman, our super Assistant Director. With your help & these HUD grants, we will end homelessness for 16 of our shelter residents!!!
James has already been diligently working on our first of 3 projects with SEED, Corp. by housing 4 of our shelter residents in their own apartments in Jersey City next month. A ceremony will be held for this new project in April (details to follow).
I am so thankful for all of your support in making this happen! It truly is remarkable that with such a dedicated community that we can feed the hungry daily, shelter the homeless nightly, and now we will continue to grow & end homelessness for 20 of our shelter residents. Thank you SO much!"
March 25, 2009
Top local news stories from The Jersey Journal
By Amy Sara Clark, Journal Staff Writer
Read Full Story
Published: Saturday, February 21, 2009
Hudson Homeless Services Get $5M
Hudson County received more than $5 million in federal grants for 13 homeless services programs, including more than $1.2 million to create permanent housing with supportive services for homeless individuals.
Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development totaled $5,093,091 for Hudson County, the second largest allocation in the state after Essex County, which received $7,657,532.
Most notably, for the first time in three years the grants included money for two new projects, rather than only renewing funds for existing projects.
Start Easy Eagle Development Corp., or SEED, received $1,250,665 to create 12 one-and two-bedroom units providing permanent supportive housing for 16 homeless individuals.
SEED will partner with the 50-bed Hoboken Shelter, which will provide case management and support services to the residents, such as referring people to the program, making sure they go to medical, mental health or substance abuse appointments and providing life skills training.
"Basically we're providing an interdependent support system, like a surrogate family," said Jaclyn Cherubini, the shelter's executive director.
Funding for anti-homelessness programs has been increasingly allocated to supportive permanent housing rather than for emergency or transitional shelter because studies have shown that putting people in permanent homes with support services is cheaper in the long run, Cherubini noted.
One study showed that in New York City, to house someone in an apartment with support services cost $22,000 per year, while it costs $40,000 a year to house someone in a shelter, $60,000 for a year in prison, or $90,000 at a New York City hospital.
"There is an overall better understanding of how the limited resources can be best utilized to support individuals in permanent housing rather than high-cost emergency services," said Donna DelValle, SEED's executive director.
In 2008, 2,227 people were counted as homeless in the annual "Point in Time Count," said Kristin Green, program director for Housing Assistance in the Hudson County Division of Housing and Community Development.
However, the county currently has only 498 beds for homeless people, including 170 in emergency shelters, 235 in transitional housing and 93 in permanent housing, said Green, who called the HUD grants "great news."
March 25, 2009
By John Zucal, Managing Editor
Reprint: NJCCT
Read Full Story
Published: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 5:10 PM CST
Local organization receives $3 million in housing funds
A local organization which handles affordable-housing issues was a big winner last week after it received a large grant from the federal government.
EAST ORANGE, NJ—A local organization which handles affordable-housing issues was a big winner last week after it received a large grant from the federal government.
Start Easy Eagle Development received more than $3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, through its Continuum of Care program. Funding from the program assists local organizations in creating housing opportunities for homeless residents.
An officials with SEED said monies received from HUD will be used toward housing projects in Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Sussex counties. Donna Del Valle, the agency's executive director, said SEED must match the federal grant on a 1-for-1 basis, allowing it to build the funding to approximately $6.1 million. Matching funds, said Del Valle, could be raised through county, state or other federal sources.
"An entity will create a goal and action plan which identifies priorities and how they will achieve its goal," said Del Valle. She said projects are expected to provide shelter for homeless and chronically homeless residents.
The organization estimates approximately 36 homeless individuals will receive housing under the local program.
SEED, which moved to East Orange in December 2008, was formed in 2006 to increase local affordable housing. SEED officials said the organization works with municipalities and other agencies to provide housing for in-need residents, including the homeless and disabled.
Del Valle said, with the current economic downtown, available housing for the homeless has decreased within Essex County.
"Homelessness is a problem in every community, but it has been exacerbated by additional people who did not previously fall into the traditional definition of homelessness," said Del Valle. "People are flooding the rental market, creating more competition for those residences and decreasing any kind of special-need, low-income housing."
Providing housing is not the only focus of SEED, said Del Valle. She said representatives will also assist residents with short- and long-range budgeting expenses and recommending social services of which to take advantage.
"We don’t want to just put them in," said Del Valle. "Through providing services, we want them to become active, productive members of the community."
March 25, 2009
SEED Corp. receives $3.05M in federal housing grants
Funds will help organization provide supportive housing across North Jersey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EAST ORANGE (Feb. 21, 2009)—Homeless individuals and families in northern New Jersey stand to benefit from a set of federal housing grants announced Thursday.
Start Easy Eagle Development Corp. received $3,050,878 in grants from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for new supportive housing projects in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Sussex counties. With the state receiving a total $11,207,118 in funding for new projects, this means that SEED Corp. received more than 27 percent of all of the new-project funding in the state. The new projects will serve a total of 36 homeless individuals.
"Homelessness is an overwhelming and distressing situation to be faced with," said Donna DelValle, executive director of the agency. "For families that have lost their homes because of the recession, and for people who need a little extra help because of life challenges or disabilities, a little intervention is all that's needed to put them back in a home and restore their dignity."
Founded in 2006 by Advance Housing Inc., SEED Corp. is dedicated to increasing affordable housing in local communities. The organization works with municipalities and other agencies to provide supportive housing to people with special needs, including the homeless, and the physically and mentally disabled.
Based at 333 Dodd St. in East Orange, SEED Corp. works with governmental bodies, municipalities, other developers and nonprofit organizations to develop affordable and supportive housing. SEED Corp. also works with developers to ensure that state and municipal efforts comply with their obligations to the Council on Affordable Housing.
In supportive housing arrangements, SEED Corp. and its partner social service organizations provide comprehensive services to residents of affordable housing so that they can successfully live independently in the community. Such services can include help with budgeting to more extensive social services, depending on the specific needs of the person or family and can range on time frame from short-term help to long-term assistance.
For more information, call DelValle at (973) 678-1600.
On the web
www.seedcorp.org
www.hudhre.info
March 25, 2009
Start Easy Eagle Development, Corp. is partnering with the Hoboken Shelter to end homelessness in Hudson County
Start Easy Eagle Development, Corp (SEED, Corp) received $1,250,655 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop 12 one and two bedroom units of permanent supportive housing for 16 homeless individuals.
SEED, Corp. will partner with the Hoboken Shelter, which will provide case management and support services to the tenants. "It is truly remarkable that with such a dedicated community that we can feed the hungry daily, shelter the homeless nightly, and we will continue to grow and end homelessness for 16 of our shelter residents," said Jaclyn Cherubini, the shelter's Executive Director.
SEED, Corp. is excited to work with the Hoboken Shelter as this is the second time SEED, Corp. has partnered with Hoboken Shelter. The first project, an acquired multi-family in Jersey City, provides permanent supportive housing to 4 residents previously staying at the Hoboken Shelter. The property is owned and managed by SEED, Corp. and support services are provided by the Hoboken Shelter led by James Shippman, the shelter’s Assistant Director. The Jersey City Housing Authority provided 4 project rental assistance vouchers so that the units will be affordable to the low income tenants and the project will financially viable. Along with a generous contribution from the owner, the acquisition was funded through capital from NJ Housing Mortgage Finance Agency's Special Needs Housing Trust Fund.
In 2008, 2,227 households in Hudson County were counted as homeless in the annual "Point in Time Count", said Kristen Green, program director for Housing Assistance in the Hudson County Division of Housing and Community Development, who called the HUD grants "great news."
February 15, 2009
SEED, Corp. has moved its office to 333 Dodd Street, East Orange, New Jersey 07017. The move has allowed SEED, Corp. to become more centrally located to the Counties it serves and is located within walking distance of a number of beautiful parks and local restaurants and stores. The staff at SEED, Corp. are very excited about the move to its new office and are eager to continue to expand its services into other counties.
February 15, 2009
SEED, Corp. would like to welcome Everett Jennings to the Board. Mr. Jennings brings engineering expertise and local knowledge to the Board. He has served on East Orange Board of Education, East Orange YMCA Board of Managers, Urban Student Achievement Task Force, President of Jennings & Associates, Inc., and Chair of East Orange's Planning Board. SEED, Corp. would like to extend a thank you to Alice Siegel and Lorenzo Franchina for their service and dedication on the SEED, Corp. Board. Alice and Lorenzo have recently resigned to pursue other ventures and to dedicate more time to their respective vocations.
February 15, 2009
On January 28th 2009, New Jersey had its statewide Project Homeless Connect Day in which a Point in Time Count was administered. Project Homeless Connect is a one day, one stop event in which the community comes together to serve those most in need. Project Homeless Connect is designed to improve access to services, increase knowledge and understanding of homeless issues and foster collaboration between non-profit, government, private and individual volunteers in the effort to end homelessness. Individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness are able to receive a variety of services such as information on housing, benefits, legal services, substance abuse, mental health, medical services, food, clothing and employment services. As part of the federal McKinney-related obligation to HUD, homeless service providers are required to conduct a count of homeless persons.
Seed Corp. participated in this event in three counties. Donna Delvalle, Executive Director of Seed Corp, and Alyssa Benzoni, Asset Manager, participated at the Essex County location from 5AM to 9AM where they counted homeless individuals in the local parks, Goodwill Industries, Riviera and Carlton Hotel and many other sites where homeless individuals would likely be. Kevin Blanchard, SEED Corp.'s Director of Housing Development, volunteered at the Hudson County site where he assisted with distributing clothing. Also, Leslie Charbonneau, Seed Corp’s Housing Associate, assisted at the Sussex County location by administering the point in time survey.
Seed Corp.'s hope is to assist local communities in meeting their need for affordable housing obligations while partnering with supportive service agencies in the six northern New Jersey counties through the development of affordable housing to those in need!
February 15, 2009
SEED, Corp. has recently been awarded a CSH grant for an AMPS Course. Alyssa Benzoni, Asset Manager, completed her Asset Management Portfolio Strategy (AMPS) Program through the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey. The 4 sessions are focused on evaluating and solving operating and project condition issues found in rental portfolios through capital needs inspections, performance standards and financial projections, recapitalization, operating options, and a completed executive summary, and presentation.
February 15, 2009
SEED, Corp. has been awarded a CSH grant to participate in a Business Planning Course. Kevin Blanchard, Director of Housing Development, and Donna DelValle, Executive Director successfully completed the course. The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey conducted a Business Planning Course for Nonprofit Developers who want to increase their level of affordable housing production. The Business Planning Program, launched in 2003, provides an intensive level of instruction, which culminates in a written, five year plan for housing production. The Business Planning Course provided key planning techniques for nonprofits in the housing and community development fields.
February 15, 2009
SEED, Corp. has also been awarded a TD Banknorth Grant toward becoming a Certified Housing Asset Manager (CHAM) Training in Atlanta. The Non-Profit Training Resource Fund offered grants of up to $1,000 to eligible organizations for employees to attend classes and courses that will strengthen job performances.
Fore more information on the awards SEED, Corp. has received please view the awards page.
With the cold weather approaching, energy bills will be reaching all time highs. For residents of Bergen County, who meet low-income eligibility requirements, you can apply for Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) through the Bergen County Community Action Partnership. These programs assist low-income individuals and families with their heating and utility bills. To start the application process, please call the BCCAP office at 201-968-0200, ext 7008 beginning October 1, 2008. To help with this process, the BCCAP has a satellite site at the PSE&G Customer Service Center located at 214 Hudson St., Hackensack, NJ 07601. Applications will be accepted until March 30, 2009.
Public Notice—Advance Housing, Inc. announces the opening of its affordable housing waiting list for the Supportive Living Program for Bergen County for “Chronically Homeless Individuals” as of October 15, 2008. It will close on November 30, 2008.
Eligible individuals must be chronically homeless with a disabling condition**, 18 years of age and older, must earn below $30,650.00 annually.
Applications are available at the Start Easy Eagle Development Corp.’s (SEED, Corp.) office and on SEED, Corp.’s website www.seedcorp.org. All applications must be mailed to the address below to be considered:
SEED, Corp.
100 First Street, Suite 304
Hackensack, NJ 07601
All applicants will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Only one application per person will be accepted. Applications that are incomplete, illegible or received by fax will not be considered. Being placed on the waiting list is neither a guarantee nor a final determination of eligibility for housing.
Advance Housing, Inc. promotes equal housing opportunities and follows the guidelines of the fair housing laws and the American Disabilities Act.
** HUD’s definition of “Chronic Homelessness” is an individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more, or has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years.
SEED, Corp. is now registered with GuideStar. GuideStar’s mission is to revolutionize philanthropy and nonprofit practice by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving. GuideStar is a database that contains registered nonprofits information of mission, programs, leaders, goals, accomplishments, and needs. It currently has over 1.7 Million organizations in its database, with over 3.7 Million organizations having Form 990 freely available.
SEED, Corp. Executive Director and Asset Manager accepted into Asset Management Portfolio Strategy Program (AMPS)
On September 19th, the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the “Network”) has accepted Donna DelValle, Executive Director, and Alyssa Benzoni, Asset Manager, into the 2008 Asset Management Portfolio Strategy Program (AMPS) that will commence October 27th. Their participation will be supported by a grant from Corporation for Supportive Housing.
According to the Network, local assessments show that 50 percent of CDC portfolios have serious asset management indicator shortfalls. CDCs should be able to quantify and assess their situation, make future projections, evaluate alternatives and make strategic short- and long-term plans for their assets. By the end of the program, participants will have evaluated portfolio operations, completed physical assessment of portfolio assets, created tracking and forecasting spreadsheets, evaluated opportunities to increase income and reduce expenses, and drafted an action plan for portfolio with narrative and financial sections addressing long-term viability.
The four month course will give SEED, Corp. the expertise to ensure that developed and managed properties remain financially viable, community assets that provide quality affordable housing to individuals and families in need.
SEED, Corp. is proud to announce that the organization obtained its 501 (c) 3 nonprofit designation on May 22, 2008. This designation will allow SEED, Corp. access to non-profit grants and funding. Nonprofit corporations enjoy an exemption from corporate income taxes on profits from activities that are related to their organizational purpose. Also, a nonprofit is permitted to raise funds by receiving public and private grant money and donations from individuals and companies. (And the tax laws encourage people and businesses to donate money and property by allowing donors to deduct their contributions on their own tax returns.) Finally, structuring an organization as a nonprofit corporation protects its directors, officers, and members from personal liability for the corporation's debts and liabilities.
SEED, Corp. would like to welcome and thank Mark Arendas and Frederick J. Tompkins to the Board of Trustees and Mr. Thomas O. Johnston as General Counsel. Mr. Arendas and Mr. Tompkins have an impressive experience in their areas of expertise of construction management and finance. Mr. Johnston expertise comes in providing General Counsel to nonprofits and a thorough knowledge of housing development.
SEED, Corp. planted actual seeds at Pass It Along’s annual Serv-a-thon!
SEED, Corp. had the privilege of being apart of Sussex County’s annual Serv-a-thon on May 17, 2008. SEED, Corp. took root in Newton’s Bristol Gardens, an elegant independent living community for seniors. The SEED, Corp. team volunteered to plant a butterfly garden with the help and leadership of a talented master gardener Brian Oleksak, Agricultural Program Associate from Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension Sussex County, Bristol Gardens’ Volunteer Services Coordinator Nancy Bushman, and Marketing Director Jeff Quinn . . . It was definitely hard work and time well spent!
A day of widespread community service projects, Serve-A-Thon is designed to be a way for volunteers to become involved with Pass It Along and to give back to their community. Projects range from minor home improvements, landscaping, yard work, cooking meals, environmental work, and much more. All of the projects help individuals and organizations in our community. For more information about pass it along please click on the link: Pass It Along
The following history of Bristol Glens and the United Methodist Homes of New Jersey was taken from their website (http://www.umh-nj.org/index.aspx) - In 1907, a committee of women appointed by the New Brunswick District Preachers corresponded with pastors and persons of the Methodist Episcopal Churches of Monmouth County about the need and importance of establishing a home for the aged. Soon, a single home on 63 Clark Avenue, Ocean Grove, was purchased, and it became the first home in our system. Collingswood Manor, begun independently in 1891, merged with The United Methodist Homes in 1971. Today, our annual operating budget is over $47,000,000, and we have more than 800 employees.
The United Methodist Homes of New Jersey is widely recognized for high quality care and service to seniors. The Homes provides a national model for other church-related elder care organizations in the United States. Residents benefit from a range of comprehensive services including independent living, residential living, multi-level assisted living, and skilled nursing. The residents in each community enjoy a variety of spiritual, social, cultural and other programs that enrich their daily lives.
Bristol Glen, which opened in 2001, is The Homes' flagship continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in scenic Sussex County. It is the culmination of efforts by churches and community leaders in northern New Jersey. It boasts beautiful, private dining areas, spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, a card room, a library, the James C. Batten Town Hall, a fitness center, a business center, a bank, an underground parking garage, the Country Store, private lounges, a hair salon, a courtyard with putting green, numerous verandas, and more. The Healthcare residence is among the finest and most highly recognized in Sussex County. Although nestled in a glen, this community lies close to all the conveniences and attractions of the New York metropolitan area.
SEED, Corp. would like to welcome Leslie Charbonneau. Leslie has accepted the position of Housing Associate and will be responsible for maintain grant compliance, property files, and finance records.
SEED, Corp. has successfully been paired up with Caitlin Akkerhuis, a 2008 Wachovia/DCA Housing Scholar. The Housing and Community Development Scholars Program (formerly the Housing Scholars program) was created 1989 by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to provide additional and more comprehensive assistance to nonprofit corporations actively involved in the development of affordable housing. Partnering with Wachovia in 1998 allowed DCA to offer internship opportunities to more students and broaden the scope of services provided by nonprofit organizations to include community and economic development activities. The university partner, New Jersey Institute of Technology, has provided administrative, payroll, and fiscal services for the program over the past 20 years.
This innovative program offers a paid, full-time placement for ten weeks during the summer to graduate and undergraduate students attending the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rutgers University (Camden, New Brunswick and Newark Campuses), Monmouth University, New Jersey City University, and Ramapo College.
A maximum of 30 students majoring in architecture, civil engineering, urban studies and planning, management, public policy and administration, social work (international and community development program), and geoscience/geographic information systems will be selected to participate in the program. Before beginning their internships, students attend a week-long orientation and training program designed to explore the development process and the emerging role of nonprofits in affordable housing, and community and economic development.
The Wachovia/DCA Housing and Community Development Scholars Program is coordinated at the central level by DCA’s Division of Community Resources and is administered by NJIT’s Office of Career Development Services.
SEED, Corp. would like to welcome April Warren. April has accepted the position of Housing Specialist and will be responsible for searching for providing information, referrals, and direct housing search to individuals in need of housing.
In January 2008, Advance Housing, Inc. nominated Donna Delvalle for the Courage and Compassion Award for her outstanding work in the area of running a non-profit housing development organization. Donna DelValle is the Executive Director of Start Easy Eagle Development, Corp. (SEED, Corp.) and oversees the operations, which includes property acquisition and development, asset management, and property management. Donna is an energetic and dynamic leader who inspires the best out of her employees.
The New Jersey Associate of Mental Health Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHA) created the Courage and Compassion Awards to honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to improving the lives of individuals with mental illness and to focus public attention on the outstanding work of employees in the community mental health system, as well as advocates and public officials.
NJAMHA is comprised of the leading non-profit mental health care providers that serve more than 400,000 New Jersey adults with mental illness and substance abuse disorders and children with emotional and behavioral disorders. NJAMHA’s 125 members represent organizations in every county and employ 85,000 workers, including counselors, case managers, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric screeners, emergency service workers and nurses.
On February 27, 2008, at the Sussex County Freeholder Board Meeting in Newton, NJ, Lynn Lappert, property management associate, accepted a certificate on behalf of SEED, Corp. in recognition for participating in Project Homeless Connect. Project Homeless Connect is a one day, one stop event in which the community comes together to serve those most in need. Project Homeless Connect is designed to improve access to services, increase knowledge and understanding of homeless issues and foster collaboration between nonprofit, government, private and individual volunteers in the effort to end homelessness.
SEED, Corp. would like to welcome Faiza Iqbal to the team. She has accepted the new position of subsidy specialist, and will be responsible for managing subsidies and insurance for agency leased properties. Faiza will also be performing initial intake interview, facilitating lease-ups with new tenants and collecting rent. In this new and vital role, Faiza will act as the agency’s liaison between landlords, services, and the agencies we are receiving rent subsidies from.
On January 29th, the Affordable Housing Resource Center staff participated in the Point in Time survey of the homeless held throughout the entire state of New Jersey as well Project Homeless Connect. The Point in Time survey is mandated by HUD and allows volunteers to survey the homeless who are living on the streets or in emergency or transitional programs. The purpose of this survey is to assist the state and its jurisdictions with collecting accurate information to improve planning processes and help us to better meet the needs of the homeless. Project Homeless Connect provided individuals who are homeless with information, services and refreshments in a safe, convenient location. This year, our staff participated in Bergen, Hudson and Sussex Counties.
SEED, Corp. would like to congratulate Jane Giambona on her promotion to property manager. Jane will be responsible for maintaining property files according to HUD requirements, setting up new tenant files, maintaining waiting lists, conduct intakes, and the monitoring of new and existing leases.
Local television station, WMBC interviews Ms. DelValle and Ms. Rossettini.
On Monday, January 28, 2008 Ms. Donna DelValle, Executive Director of Start Easy Eagle Development (SEED) and Ms. Mary Rossettini, President/CEO of Advance Housing Inc. were interviewed by a local Sussex County television station, WMBC.
Ms. DelValle spoke about the Demarest Farms project - an existing barn in Lafayette, NJ in Sussex County which will be converted to 10 affordable housing units for the mentally ill. In addition, a second barn structure will be newly constructed for 10 persons with physical disabilities.
According to Ms. DelValle, the city and township have been very supportive of the project. There is a September 2009 anticipated open date for Demarest Farms project.
SEED Corp. is proud to bestow its first monthly recognition award upon Juan and Barbara Romero, tenants of the Kansas Street project for outstanding care of their home. They have been residing in this affordable, accessible apartment since August 2007. Recently, Mr. and Mrs. Romero graciously opened their home to Donna DelValle, Executive Director of SEED Corp., and the President/C.E.O., C.O.O., and Executive Vice President of Lifespire, an organization that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The tour was scheduled at the home in anticipation of a future collaboration between SEED, Corp. and Lifespire to create new supportive housing opportunities in the county.
When asked about her new home Mrs. Romero said, "The house is very beautiful. We are very happy here."
Recipients of the Property of the Month Award receive a Certificate of Recognition and a gift card to acknowledge their contribution to maintaining their housing to be an asset to the community and a welcomed addition to their neighborhoods. In addition, their picture will appear on the SEED, Corp. website.
In 2007 Advance Housing, Inc was awarded $43,000 in capital funds by the Division of Mental Health Services to continue to ensure managed properties are a community asset. Our Facility Manager utilized the funds toward capital improvements on Advance Housing, Inc.’s owned properties. Some of the updates include new appliances, roofs, carpeting, HVAC systems, and boilers. In addition, the funds were used to improve energy efficiency and long term financial viability of projects. Not only did Advance Housing, Inc.’s properties benefit from these capital expenditures, but the tenants who live in these owned properties were greatly appreciative of the needed updates and improvements.
Rally for supportive housing
It was because of New Jersey's "fiscal complications" that Donna DelValle last week embarked on what she called "a little campaign" to promote a supportive housing project at Demarest Farm.
By the end of the week, she sent the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs more than 100 letters from residents and local officials endorsing the 20-unit project meant to help assist renters who have a mental illness. The goal is to put the Lafayette project ahead in the competition for state funding, a crucial piece currently missing from the plans.
"We had to let them know how wanted this is, how needed this is," said DelValle, a county resident and newly named executive director of Start Easy Eagle Development Corporation (SEED), a new housing development organization created from Advance Housing, Inc.
Advance Housing, with offices in Sussex and Bergen counties, is a provider of what commonly is called "supportive housing," programs that provide an opportunity for people with mental illness to live as part of a community rather than be limited to group homes and supervised apartments. The organization secures the services the residents need, while allowing them a degree of independence. Special homes in Sparta and Hamburg were established in 2006.
Among the supporters of the Lafayette project is the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, which last week agreed to send a letter of its own to Community Affairs Commis-sioner Joseph Doria, pleading the need for state funding. As of one year ago, there were 395 homeless adults and children in the county, more than half of whom live with a mental illness, the county's letter said.
"Sussex County has no other sources to secure the needed project-based subsidies to assist these individuals to move into permanent, supportive housing," the letter said.
As of Tuesday, the project leaders' request for funding was "currently under review," a spokesman for the state department said.
"Certainly it seems like it should be a high priority," said Lafayette Mayor Richard Hughes, who said he received several calls from residents over the weekend asking why the state was opposed to the project.
"It's not opposition," Hughes said he told the callers. "It's just that it hasn't been approved."
The potential for a supportive housing project, called Woodland Farms of Lafayette, is the result of two years of cooperation between the nonprofit housing groups, the property owners and the local government, all things the state departments encourage, DelValle said.
The housing will be constructed at Demarest Farm — a golf driving range near the intersection of Routes 94 and 15 and Sunset Inn Road that closed last fall — where property owner High Point LLC intends to sell the building lots.
The group received preliminary approval from the township's Land Use Board last year, according to the township's Land Use Board attorney Nancy Reading.
Two lots, totaling 4 acres, are to be sold to Advance Housing for the project, which officials say will help Lafayette meet affordable housing requirements set forth by the state. The project will create 20 new affordable housing units on the Demarest Farm property and will adapt the existing barn and silo to a new use, while building a second building in a similar design. The township already has approved the site plans.
"This really has come together the way they usually only talk about in Trenton ... they should respond with the support the project needs to get off the ground," DelValle said.
Half of the 20 housing units need to be subsidized, she said, and the financial resources for affordable housing programs are "scarce" in Sussex County.
About $275,000 in funding already has been secured for the project through the township and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Affordable Housing Program. Lafayette also initiated a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program on the property, in which the county takes a proportionate amount of taxes from the increased land value of the area and leaves the municipality with the rest, which will presumably allow Lafayette to retain a larger portion of its taxes.
"I know Lafayette has been very supportive and very enthusiastic about (the project)," Reading said.
Freeholder Susan Zellman brought the letter to the county board last week because projects in Sussex County typically have a more difficult time obtaining services and funding, she said. Also, with Commissioner Doria visiting the area — last week for the opening of a senior housing project in ` and today to officially grant Newton Main Street designation — he has "demonstrated interest."
"There's a concern (with the supportive housing funding) because there's certainly a need out there," Zellman said. "I think if we don't stand behind a worthwhile project like this, who will?"
Advance Housing, Inc Announces Creation of Housing Development Company
Advance Housing, Inc., a Hackensack-based non-profit provider of supportive housing services, is pleased to announce the creation of a new housing development organization, Start Easy Eagle Development, Corp. (SEED, Corp.). SEED, Corp. is a nonprofit housing development and property management organization seeking to develop affordable housing for disabled individuals in the six northern New Jersey counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex. Driven by the wide range of needs of disabled individuals, SEED, Corp. will develop a range of affordable housing options that will blend into local communities from single family homes to multi-family dwellings.
Advance Housing, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, offers a variety of supportive housing services for individuals living with a mental illness. Several years ago Advance Housing, Inc. embarked on a strategic planning process to separate supportive services from housing development and management. The outcome was a new non-profit that could address the affordable housing needs of communities in a wider geographic area than currently served by Advance Housing. In addition, replicating the model of partnership that Advance Housing was founded on, SEED, Corp. will partner with other service providers to develop affordable housing for persons with disabilities other than mental illness.
Donna DelValle, Advance Housing’s Director of Housing and Community Development, has been hired as the first full-time Executive Director of SEED, Corp. Ms. DelValle was instrumental in the creation and development of SEED, Corp. and brings energy, experience and expertise to this new housing development organization.
SEED, Corp.’s 5-year business plan’s goals are as follows: develop 210 units of housing, partner with social service providers in supportive housing projects, design sustainable energy efficient housing, offer professional property and asset management, integrate affordable housing into local neighborhoods to become an asset to the community, and collaborate with governmental bodies and residents to develop housing that satisfies local affordable housing obligations. For more information, please go to www.seedcorp.org or contact Donna DelValle, 201-498-0383.
Meet the SEED, Corp. Staff
Donna DelValle, MSW, LSW, is the Executive Director of Start Easy Eagle Development, Corp., (SEED, Corp). SEED, Corp. is a non-profit housing development company whose mission is to expand affordable housing opportunities for persons with disabilities. As Housing and Community Development Director of Advance Housing, Ms. DelValle developed over 23 special needs housing units in Bergen and Sussex Counties in 2006 and, in a COAH collaboration with the Township of Sparta, received the Governor’s Award for Housing Excellence for the Lakeview Country Homes Project. Ms. DelValle earned her B.S. in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University and her M.S.W. from New York University. She is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of New Jersey, NDC Certified Housing Development Finance Professional, and a New Jersey licensed Realtor.
Kevin Blanchard, MSW, LSW, Housing Development Director for SEED, Corp., joined the housing development team in August 2005 as an intern and has since been hired full-time. He graduated from Fordham University in 2006 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. As a member of the senior management team, Mr. Blanchard’s responsibilities include overseeing the development of new affordable housing projects, working in collaboration with county, state, and federal funding sources to bring housing projects to completion in a timely and cost effective manner. In addition, he sits on a number of community committees that are focused on ending homelessness. Before working for SEED, Corp. and Advance Housing, Mr. Blanchard worked at Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare for 5 years working with troubled youth.
Alyssa Benzoni, one of three senior management members, is the Asset Manager for SEED, Corp. She attended Shippensburg University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in sociology. Ms. Benzoni began working at Advance Housing, Inc. in 2002 and worked her way up to the position of Program Coordinator for the Affordable Housing Resource Center (AHRC). In 2008 she was promoted to the Asset Manager position for SEED, Corp., where she is currently working to become a Certified Asset Manager. As an Asset Manager Ms. Benzoni will be responsible for overseeing the Affordable Housing Resource Center, Property Management, and Facilities Management.
Paige Espinal is the Coordinator for the Affordable Housing Resource Center (AHRC). She attended Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services. She worked for North Country Transitional Living Services in Watertown, NY and Advance Housing, Inc., in Hackensack, NJ.
