Affordable Housing Alliance, Neighbor

n response to the overwhelming need for quality, affordable housing in Monmouth County, the Monmouth Housing Alliance was formed in April, 1991 with a start-up grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The idea sprang from a group of interested colleagues who were struggling to find housing for individuals with disabilities, low-wage workers, single parents and other disenfranchised groups. Founding director Donna Blaze, now CEO, was the agency’s first and only staff until more substantial funding could be secured. Today, the Affordable Housing Alliance employs close to fifty professional and staff members augmented by interns, volunteers, and community partners. The Board was established with members whose passion and expertise was in the area of commercial and residential development, finance and management. More than 20 years later the CEO and many of those same founding directors remain with the organization, growing it from the initial $25,000 grant to nearly $6M in operations annually. Our Philosophy: Develop services, programs and housing based on a shared human need for shelter, food, comfort, and quality of life and treats all seeking assistance with dignity, compassion and respect regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, disability or income.