Almost $296 Million Unspent to Prevent Homelessness
Two years ago, New Jersey received $300 million from the federal government to help the unemployed from losing their homes. According to an investigative report by WABC reporter Jim Hoffer, less than $4-million of the $300-million has been spent, ranking New Jersey last among 18 recipient states in giving out these emergency foreclosure funds.
When confronted on the lack of leadership by the administration on the foreclosure crisis, Governor Christie went on the defensive as seen in this video.
This issue was also the topic of an October 3, 2012, Star-Ledger editorial. Christie has acknowledged the failure to spend this critical funding for unfortunately blames the problem on government and does not take the blame himself.
Quoting from the editorial,
“Let’s be clear: Several other state governments had their act together from the start and have delivered the needed help at a healthy clip. New Jersey was dead last. Christie, while running around the country brushing up his political credentials and talking up his imaginary “New Jersey comeback,” wasn’t paying attention.”
Please contact Governor Christie and your state legislator and urge them to make using the foreclosure funds a top priority now. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is hiring to staff to correct the problem and help with the application process – and it is critical that this happens in order to meet the ultimate goal of helping 500 homeowners a month.
Click here to view the WABC report and to learn more about WABC’s findings.
Click here to contact the Governor.
Click here for the full Star-Ledger editorial.
