East Orange Ponders How To Spend $1.8M In Aid For Homeless

EAST ORANGE, NJ — There were dozens of people experiencing homelessness in a single night during a recent “point in time” count taken in East Orange. And now, the city will get more than $1.8 million to help find them a place to live – and others who find themselves struggling in the future.

East Orange officials recently announced that the city has received $1,859,520 in HOME-American Rescue Plan Program funds to assist people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

During a count taken on Jan. 25 of 2022, volunteers found 51 people experiencing homelessness in East Orange, according to Monarch Housing Associates. Read More: Here's How Many Homeless People Live In East Orange, Report Says

East Orange officials said they are seeking feedback about how the latest windfall of funding should be spent. People can scan the below QR code or click here to learn more.

Several people shared suggestions for the money on a city social media post. Seen online:

• “East Orange can take that money, take all them abandoned properties (if there’s any) fix it and house all our homeless/soon to be homeless there, and you still have $1.5 million remaining.”
• “I think that if they are going to help with back rent, once the tenant has completed the application and has been approved, the funds should be sent directly to the landlord. Too many homeowners are really struggling. Just my opinion.”
• “We have a lot of people in real need that are deserving of this help. Our landlords have taken a hit and should be considered when providing rent assistance, money should go to the landlord directly, not the tenant, and of course, the tenant should be aware of it.”

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