Morris County Chamber of Commerce
  • About
    • Chamber Team
    • Our Mission
    • About Our President
    • Board of Directors
    • Morris Business Cabinet
    • Ambassadors Council
    • What Members Are Saying >
      • Share a Testimonial
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Forums & Committees >
      • Monthly Agenda Submission Form
      • Women in Business Program Chair Application
      • Business Development Forum
      • Business Strategy & Tactics Forum
      • Environmental & Sustainability Forum
      • Government Affairs
      • Health & Wellness Forum
      • Hispanic & Diversity Business Forum
      • Human Resources Committee
      • Not For Profit Roundtable >
        • 2021 NFP Excellence Award Honorees
        • Nonprofit Donations
        • Not For Profit Conference Scholarship App
      • Tech Talk Forum
      • Women in Business Program
      • Young Professionals Forum
    • Staff Forms - Internal Use Only
  • Membership
    • Join the Morris Chamber
    • Retail Restaurant Membership
    • The Value of Membership >
      • Grow Your Business
      • Build Your Brand
      • Professional Development & Education
      • Government Advocacy
      • Community Outreach & Volunteering
    • Member Benefits >
      • Member Exchange Online Community
      • Mobile App
      • Member to Member Deals
      • Healthcare Solutions
      • Member Marketing Opportunities
      • Enhance Your Directory Listing
      • Connect to Morris Job Bank
    • New Member Survey
    • Member Referral Bonus
    • Grand Opening Support
  • Events
    • Chamber Event Calendar
    • Member Events Calendar
    • COVID-19 Safety
    • Signature Events & Programs
    • Leaders in Business Nominations 2022
    • Submit an Event Idea
  • Directory
    • Searchable Business Directory
    • Nonprofit Organizations >
      • Not for Profit Spotlight
  • News & Info
    • Certificate of Origin
    • Chamber Magazines
    • Business Resources
    • Legal Resources >
      • Employment Law
      • Commercial Services
      • Business Representation
      • General Legal
    • News Around the Chamber >
      • Around the Chamber Archive
      • Submit a Press Release
      • Submit a Neighbors Helping Neighbors Story
    • MCCC Blog >
      • Contribute to Our Blog
  • Programs
    • Economic Development Corp.
    • EDC Business Counseling
    • Leadership Morris >
      • Leadership Morris FAQs
      • Leadership Morris Application
      • Leadership Morris Program
      • Leadership Morris Alumni Council
      • Renew LMAA Membership
    • Executive Council Program
    • Women In Business >
      • Women in Business Mastermind
      • Women in Business Executive Round Table
      • Women in Golf Program
    • Morris Chamber Toastmasters
    • Entrepreneur Roundtable
    • Thrive Morris
    • Work-Based Learning
    • Hiring An Intern?
  • MCTV
    • MCCC On-Demand
    • MCTV Let's Talk
    • Actionable Advice Video Library
    • Member Spotlights
  • Member Login

Around the Chamber

​News & Information from our Members for our Members
​Click Here to submit your Press Release
​Click Here for Past 'Around the Chamber' eNewsletters

Morris County Shelter CEOs Join Legislators to Combat Alarming Rates of Housing Insecurity

2/1/2021

 
“Stable housing for the homeless, including those fleeing domestic violence situations, has remained unattainable for far too many. The issue has only been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic,” says NJ Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-25). Leaders of Morris County non-profit homeless and domestic violence shelters are working with legislators to address the alarming rates of housing insecurity. Assemblywoman Dunn, along with co-sponsor Valerie Huttle (D-37), has introduced a resolution (ACR203) urging the U.S. Secretary for Housing and Urban Development to prioritize transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness.

 On the Senate side, NJ Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) also urges the HUD Secretary to prioritize transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, including survivors of domestic violence in his Senate resolution (SCR-140). Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-25) presents JBWS President and CEO Diane Williams with a certificate of recognition for her efforts to serve victims of domestic violence during the pandemic.

“The pandemic has disrupted life for everyone. Unemployment, under-employment and uncertainty have crippled many residents financially,” Bucco said. “This is where transitional housing options and resources can be invaluable.”

During a recent visit to the Family Promise Morris County NJ Drop-in Center, U. S. Congresswoman Sherrill (NJ-11) met with CEO Joann Bjornson who said they have seen a “400% increase in the need during COVID.” “The stress of COVID makes partnership between government officials at all levels, nonprofits, and community-based organizations even more critical in our fight to end homelessness and support survivors of domestic abuse,” said Representative Mikie Sherrill. “We have the opportunity to make real progress at the federal level with President Biden’s administration, from reinstating the Violence Against Women Act to building upon the CARES Act funding for housing authorities. I proudly co-sponsored the Homeless Children and Youth Act last Congress to address the need for transitional housing that our local housing advocates highlighted for me, and I will work with our new HUD Secretary to advocate for the flexibility our local organizations need to address the housing crisis.”

“The projections related to homelessness when the COVID-19 eviction moratorium ends are alarming,” stresses Dan McGuire, CEO of Homeless Solutions in Morris County. According to The Stout Report prepared for the National Council of State Housing Agencies, “New Jersey could experience 304,000 eviction filings after the lifting of the moratorium, compared to the 150,000 evictions filed in a typical year.”

Furthermore, the report goes on to say that “before COVID-19, more than 15% of all New Jersey renter households had extremely low-incomes, meaning that they had incomes of less than 30% of the area median income. Nearly 75% of these extremely low-income renter households were also severely rent-burdened, paying more than 50% of their income toward rent.”

“Too many domestic violence victims lack the job training and the financial resources needed to live. In high rent areas like Morris County, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated their struggles,” said Diane Williams, President and CEO of JBWS, a nonprofit providing safety, support and solutions to all victims of domestic violence in the greater Morris County area.

“There is a lack of long-term housing solutions for the homeless even in the best economic times,” said Dunn. “The financial barrier to finding more permanent housing has become more like a boulder during the pandemic. Most emergency shelters do not allow homeless individuals and families to stay for more than 90 days. Transitional housing programs provide safe harbor for up to 24 months and support services that include financial education, life skills training, counseling, employment, and housing assistance.”

Williams agrees, “No one should have to choose between becoming homeless or returning to their abuser. Transitional housing is an essential part of the homeless service continuum, particularly for those with traumatic histories such as victims of domestic violence, who need more time and appropriate supports to obtain and maintain permanent, affordable housing. It empowers survivors and their children to begin rebuilding their lives.”

“Housing is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” emphasizes Bjornson. “If you lack stable safe housing how can you find or maintain employment; support your children with virtual education; shelter in place or wash your hands; recover from illness; or stabilize from a recent job loss. The health and economic challenges of our neighbors have become a crisis in 2020 and a pandemic on its own for 2021. Working together we can alter this situation.”

Advocates urge anyone facing eviction or homelessness to call 211. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence support is available 24/7 by calling 1-877-R-U-ABUSED.

* * *
ABOUT JBWS
Founded in 1976 as Jersey Battered Women’s Service, JBWS celebrates 45 years of offering safety, support, and solutions to domestic abuse in Morris County, NJ. JBWS’ 24-hour helpline, safe house, transitional living, counseling, batterers’ intervention, legal advocacy, and children’s services provide safety and support to thousands of people each year and its outreach and school programs increase awareness of the issue for nearly 20,000 adults and teens annually.

For more information, visit www.jbws.or or call 1-877-R-U-ABUSED.

ABOUT HOMELESS SOLUTIONS
A Morris County, NJ-based private non-profit organization, Homeless Solutions has been helping the homeless and working poor in our community since 1983. Their philosophy is “a hand up, not a handout.” It is not just about providing a warm meal and a place to sleep. Our goal is to give those we serve the tools they need to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient through our Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing Program, Mt. Kemble Home and Affordable Housing.

For more information, visit homelesssolutions.org or call 973-993-0900.

ABOUT FAMILY PROMISE of MORRIS COUNTY
Family Promise of Morris County (formerly Interfaith Council for Homeless Families of Morris County) is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness faced by Morris County families by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations and community volunteers to provide shelter, case management and mentoring services leading to self-sufficiency. For more information, visit familypromisemorris.org or call 973-998-0819.


Comments are closed.

    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020

    Categories

    All
    Bio Tech
    CARES Act
    Coronavirus
    Essential Business
    Giveaway
    Grants
    Healthcare
    Health & Wellness
    IT Solutions
    Loan Programs
    Mobile Service
    News
    NJEDA
    Nonprofit
    Pharma
    Printers
    Pro Bono
    Retail
    Training
    Unemployment

    RSS Feed

Picture
CONTACT Us  |  JOIN Us  |  LEARN About Membership  |  REGISTER for Events  |  FIND a Member Business  |  READ our Magazines  |  LEAD Morris |  FAQ

Picture
325 Columbia Turnpike, ​​Suite 101
Florham Park, NJ 07932 

​973.539.3882 | CONTACT US | ​MAP
Our office is open by appointment only, but  something is happening at the Chamber virtually everyday! 
The Power of Connection!  Your membership connects you to valuable resources, opportunities for business growth and rewarding relationships with members across the NJ metro region, in-person and virtually!  Your investment in a Morris Chamber membership provides a stable foundation that allows us to serve the people who power greater Morris County's businesses and community.  Join Us or Renew Today!
STAY CONNECTED: SIGN UP FOR UPDATES!
Socialize with Us!
Put the Power of Morris Chamber in the Palm of your Hand with our Mobile App!
Picture
Picture

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Picture
TOURISM BUREAU
Picture
PROUD MEMBER OF
Picture
PROUD MEMBER OF
Picture
PROUD MEMBER OF
Picture
PROUD MEMBER OF
Picture

©2022 Morris County Chamber of Commerce  |  A 501(c)(6) nonprofit membership organization  |  Site Map
  • About
    • Chamber Team
    • Our Mission
    • About Our President
    • Board of Directors
    • Morris Business Cabinet
    • Ambassadors Council
    • What Members Are Saying >
      • Share a Testimonial
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Forums & Committees >
      • Monthly Agenda Submission Form
      • Women in Business Program Chair Application
      • Business Development Forum
      • Business Strategy & Tactics Forum
      • Environmental & Sustainability Forum
      • Government Affairs
      • Health & Wellness Forum
      • Hispanic & Diversity Business Forum
      • Human Resources Committee
      • Not For Profit Roundtable >
        • 2021 NFP Excellence Award Honorees
        • Nonprofit Donations
        • Not For Profit Conference Scholarship App
      • Tech Talk Forum
      • Women in Business Program
      • Young Professionals Forum
    • Staff Forms - Internal Use Only
  • Membership
    • Join the Morris Chamber
    • Retail Restaurant Membership
    • The Value of Membership >
      • Grow Your Business
      • Build Your Brand
      • Professional Development & Education
      • Government Advocacy
      • Community Outreach & Volunteering
    • Member Benefits >
      • Member Exchange Online Community
      • Mobile App
      • Member to Member Deals
      • Healthcare Solutions
      • Member Marketing Opportunities
      • Enhance Your Directory Listing
      • Connect to Morris Job Bank
    • New Member Survey
    • Member Referral Bonus
    • Grand Opening Support
  • Events
    • Chamber Event Calendar
    • Member Events Calendar
    • COVID-19 Safety
    • Signature Events & Programs
    • Leaders in Business Nominations 2022
    • Submit an Event Idea
  • Directory
    • Searchable Business Directory
    • Nonprofit Organizations >
      • Not for Profit Spotlight
  • News & Info
    • Certificate of Origin
    • Chamber Magazines
    • Business Resources
    • Legal Resources >
      • Employment Law
      • Commercial Services
      • Business Representation
      • General Legal
    • News Around the Chamber >
      • Around the Chamber Archive
      • Submit a Press Release
      • Submit a Neighbors Helping Neighbors Story
    • MCCC Blog >
      • Contribute to Our Blog
  • Programs
    • Economic Development Corp.
    • EDC Business Counseling
    • Leadership Morris >
      • Leadership Morris FAQs
      • Leadership Morris Application
      • Leadership Morris Program
      • Leadership Morris Alumni Council
      • Renew LMAA Membership
    • Executive Council Program
    • Women In Business >
      • Women in Business Mastermind
      • Women in Business Executive Round Table
      • Women in Golf Program
    • Morris Chamber Toastmasters
    • Entrepreneur Roundtable
    • Thrive Morris
    • Work-Based Learning
    • Hiring An Intern?
  • MCTV
    • MCCC On-Demand
    • MCTV Let's Talk
    • Actionable Advice Video Library
    • Member Spotlights
  • Member Login