A Message From Our CEO

Hello friends,

As we watch the leaves slowly change to their beautiful autumn colors and as the days get shorter, we spend more time indoors and we find ourselves firmly in the Fall season. For me, these cooler days are a reminder of the importance of home. Here at the AHA, our staff has been working hard to help our residents obtain and maintain safe housing.

One area of focus for the AHA this quarter has been the roll-out of New Jersey’s expanded Energy Assistance programs. Following the challenges that residents felt last year, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs have retooled the income and household requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) programs to allow more individuals and families to apply and receive energy assistance than ever before. It is great to see assistance opportunities expand during such an important period in our state’s recovery, and I firmly believe that as we continue to move to a more just and equitable future, these expanded guidelines will become the new norm for those seeking assistance in our state.  

The Affordable Housing Alliance would also like to thank the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey for their recognition of our 30 years of service to the Garden State with their ‘Lasting Achievement Award’. Through our continued partnerships with like-minded organizations, the AHA is able to extend our reach well past our modest physical footprint and out into the communities that need our help the most. With the help of our neighborhood partners, the AHA is better prepared for what the next 30-years have in store.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we’ll keep New Jersey safely housed, warm, and secure this Fall and Winter season. 

All the best,
Randi Moore, CEO

What's New?
Halloween @ The Office
On Friday, October 29th the Affordable Housing Alliance hosted its annual Halloween Office spectacular! Featuring giveaways, games, and prizes for the best individual and department costumes, this year's Halloween party was one for the ages. Featuring timeless characters, updated classics, and more than a few surprises, the staff of the AHA really let their hair down this Halloween season!
Employee Spotlight - Teresa Bell
One of our employee spotlights for this quarter features Teresa Bell, one of our administrative assistants. Ms. Bell began her career with the AHA as a Front Desk Receptionist, and in only a few short months, she has deservedly earned a promotion to her new position where she actively provides program support to the Chief Program Officer, Directors of Housing, Utilities, and CAP/EAS.

Teresa was looking for a job that gave her a sense of purpose, something different from the type of work she had experienced in the past. With the AHA, she found an organization that allows her to help support and nurture her community. She notes “The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that we can change lives for the better, the tools and resources that we have to offer people make a real difference in the lives of everyday people.”

On the flip side, Teresa admits there are some challenges to this type of work. “Listening to the client’s hardships, the stories I hear are heartbreaking, and if you need a Humbling Hour join our phone group. It gets tough sometimes, but I know those that call need a strong voice on the other end to hear them through.”

When she isn’t helping keep the AHA organized and moving forward, Teresa enjoys binge-watching classic television shows from the early '90s and 2000s. She is an avid singer and can often be heard filling our office spaces with melodies, and watch out if you catch her out on the dance floor since she owns quite a few pairs of dancing shoes.

Thanks for all that you do, Teresa!
Employee Anniversaries
Join us as we congratulate the following staff on their recent work anniversaries:

1 year:
Jazmin A. (Housing, Intake Processor)
Noah R. (Utility, Caseworker Processor)
Matthew S. (Utility, Caseworker Processor)

Congratulations Everyone!
The Affordable Housing Alliance is grateful for everyone's tireless service!
Housing Outreach Department
Remembering Hurricane Sandy, 9 years ago today.
Affordable Units for Sale and Rent
Every month the Affordable Housing Alliance shares all of the properties currently available within our network. Each of the units listed will have certain financial factors that must be met in order to qualify, but with a variety of units across all of Monmouth County, chances are there will be an option that fits your needs!

For more information about available units be sure to visit our Affordable Units For Rent & Sale page.
Utility Assistance Department
New Program Guidelines Are Here! Visit NJPowerOn.org To Learn More.
After months of back-and-forth with state agencies and utility companies, the new EXPANDED utility assistance program guidelines are here and that means BIG changes for New Jersey residents struggling with their energy and utility bills.

  • Universal Service Fund (USF) - The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has created the Universal Service Fund (USF) program to help make electric and natural gas bills more affordable. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the BPU has temporarily expanded the USF program so that moderate-income households can now take advantage of the USF monthly credits and Fresh Start energy debt forgiveness.

  • Low-Income Heating & Energy Program (LIHEAP) - The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income residential customers pay for heating and cooling bills, even if heat is included as part of rent payments. LIHEAP provides assistance for all types of heat, and may also provide emergency assistance funds for heater and water heater repairs. LIHEAP also provides grants in the winter so that eligible households can pay their heating bills and continue using heating equipment.

The Affordable Housing Alliance is working to ensure a seamless transition and continued access to assistance for all eligible residents. To learn more about the expanded access to the Universal Service Fund and Low-Income Heating & Energy Program, plus the benefits of applying, visit our Utility Assistance page here!
Community Action Program (CAP)
Employee Spotlight - Jordan Glass
This quarter’s final employee spotlight features the talented Jordan Glass. Ms. Glass is the AHA’s Rapid Rehousing Specialist for our Community Action Program (CAP) and Emergency Shelter where she works with shelter residents and outside referrals.

Jordan began her time with the AHA as a caseworker for CAP and moved into the Rehousing position this past July. She has been with the organization for a year and a half and was drawn to the position through a friend’s referral and the desire to help underserved communities.

Ms. Glass is responsible for running the AHA’s rehousing program which sets the ambitious goal of rehousing individuals experiencing homelessness within 30 days of their initial intake. After individuals are placed in stable, secure housing, Jordan provides case management to help individuals become financially self-sustaining. When asked about one of the challenges of her position, Jordan was quick to point to the current rental market in New Jersey and the lack of affordable units it has to offer as the major barrier to an even quicker transition for these individuals.

Jordan is a graduate of the University of Scranton where she obtained her BA in Counseling and Human Services. When she isn’t improving the lives of New Jersey's disadvantaged with the Affordable Housing Alliance, she can often be found traveling with friends and advocating for civil rights.

Keep making a difference Jordan!
Rental Assistance Is Available!
The Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) has programs available to help eligible Monmouth County residents who are struggling to meet their rental obligations due to COVID-19 related financial hardships. For more information on these programs and resources and to see if you qualify for assistance, please visit our Community Action Program (CAP) homepage.
Resources
Supporters Of The Alliance
Quote Of The Quarter:

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” Maya Angelo