Need Affordable Housing? Newark Launches Website For Home Hunters

NEWARK, NJ — A free website in Newark will help people find affordable housing in the city, whether they’re looking to buy or rent, officials say.

On Thursday, the city launched NewarkHousingSearch.com, which enables prospective tenants to comb through available affordable housing listings.

The site offers users the ability to search listings by photographs, size and type of bedrooms, rental costs, eligibility requirements, special needs, neighborhood, ward, senior needs, distance from public transportation, on-site amenities, neighborhood services such as hospitals and schools and other useful information.

According to a statement from the office of Mayor Ras Baraka:

“Units listed on the locator platform are a combination of private-market properties, federal-funded projects and Newark Housing Authority sites. Property owners, managers and landlords can use the website to advertise their available affordable for-sale properties and rental units. Providers simply have to register online or by phone in order to showcase their availabilities to a wide pool of potential tenants. The website can also assist landlords who are interested in offering housing opportunities to special needs groups (for example, veterans, differently-abled, and the formerly homeless).”

City officials added:

“The Newark Housing Locator is backed by a call center of Housing Specialists who can assist users with their apartment search in Newark. Those housing specialists are available toll-free in English and Spanish Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. at 1-877-428-8844. The call center helps tenants search available listings and helps landlords to register, add and update listings with no time limit on calls giving callers the time they need to ask any questions they might have.”

Baraka said creating the new website was one of his five-year housing goals announced last year. Read More: Newark Will Create 6,600 Affordable Homes In 5 Years, Mayor Pledges

“No matter where I go in Newark, people will approach me and ask for help in finding a home they can afford,” Baraka said.

“Part of this mission is making it easier for people to search for the type of affordable housing they need,” the mayor added. “This housing locator will help fill a gap that has long existed.”

The initial year of the program is funded by the Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Ballmer Group through Results for America. Preliminary design and ideation were aided by the Behavioral Insights Team, a partner of What Works Cities Economic Mobility Initiative.

HOUSING IN NEWARK: RECENT NEWS STORIES

Catch up with some recent stories involving housing in Newark below (click headlines to read the article).

'Affordable' Isn't Affordable: Newark's Plan To Create More Housing

A $20 million program in Newark gives developers funds to create housing for local families who earn $32,000 or less per year.

Who Owns Newark? City Fights Back Against Corporate Home Buying Spree

"What has happened in other cities is happening in Newark – but on a scale unmatched anywhere in the country."

Queen Latifah Ushers In Newark's Latest Housing Development

"What I want you to understand is that there's love in this city," the entertainment icon said. "There is love in this community."

'Shaq Tower 2' In Newark Nearly Ready; NBA Legend Builds Housing In NJ

O'Neal was among those present at a topping-off ceremony for 777 McCarter, which officials say is the "largest 80/20 mixed income project in New Jersey."

Cheers In Newark As Demolition At Seth Boyden Complex Begins

"This site will be an example of what we have the authority and power to do when we work together to make it happen."

Housing Project In Newark Will Have Hospital Clinic On Ground Floor

A public/private partnership will bring dozens of "affordable rental apartments" and a medical clinic to the Fairmount section of Newark.

Long-Awaited Newark Apartments Will Be 100% Affordable Housing

Kawaida Towers will make history as the first "100 percent affordable housing development" in downtown Newark, officials said.

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