Edison, NJ – Members of the New Jersey 18th Legislative District, Senator Patrick Diegnan (D-South Plainfield), Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D-East Brunswick), and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-Edison) announced a grant package to support various charitable groups across the District that alleviate homelessness.
The Dioceses of Metuchen branch of Catholic Charities has been approved for two grants: The first grant is a $400,000 award from the Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing 2 program to provide assistance and stabilization services to individuals or families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in Middlesex County. The second is a $102,200 award from the Prevention of Homelessness – Another Chance program to provide temporary housing (up to 180 days) to offenders being released from NJ Department of Correction facilities that do not have an approved residence of record.
“We’re proud to announce these resources to faith-based groups and community organizations that meet a great need across Middlesex County. These grants confirm New Jersey’s commitment to provide temporary shelter to those most in need while at the same time helping them to secure permanent housing,” stated Senator Diegnan.
In addition, Garden State Home (GSH) has been approved to receive a $165,150 award from the Shelter Support program to provide funds for renovation work and the purchase of equipment, furnishings and a van for the transitional housing facility located in Highland Park.
Assemblyman Karabinchak noted, “To win these grants is a true testament to the hard work of these volunteer groups and charities that provide shelter for the homeless. Middlesex County is fortunate for the reliability and availability of these shelters that meet a critical need in our region.”
The legislators also announced an award for Women Aware in the amount of $80,197 from the Shelter Support program through the NJ Department of Community Affairs. The award will provide funds for renovation work and the purchase of equipment and furnishings for the emergency shelter serving victims of domestic violence in Middlesex County.
Assemblywoman Pinkin praised the award package saying, “With the winter months approaching it is imperative we utilize all possible resources to ensure the health & safety of New Jersey residents. This funding will help our local volunteers and charities in their efforts to combat homelessness and provide safe housing options for those in need. It is important we do what we can to protect our community.”