NEW YORK — The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced Monday that there are three disaster recovery programs currently available to renters and homeowners affected by Hurricane Ida.
These three Ida recovery programs make up the third phase of the Murphy administration’s Ida Recovery Strategy, which focuses on helping families and communities who still need help due to the damaging effects of the storm. that struck New Jersey in September 2021.
“We recognize how incredibly disruptive the effects of Hurricane Ida were on communities and families in its path,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. “We ask those affected by Ida who are still recovering and who need assistance to apply to the programs for help. It is our mission to help as many families as possible so they can get back on track and get on the path to a better and safer life.” housing solution.
Residents still live in fear that they won’t be ready for another event. Rosarina Bretón with the details.
The following programs started working from Monday, February 27:
Tenant Rental Assistance Program (TBRA)
The program will help cover rental housing costs for low-income families affected by Hurricane Ida and make rental housing more affordable for them. Families must live in one of the following declared disaster counties: Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union, and Warren.
TBRA Preliminary Applications Are Available online. A preliminary application can also be requested from TBRA at (609) 913-4252 or by email at [email protected].
TBRA Program staff will review preliminary applications and refer families who meet the criteria to submit a final application.
Homeowners Assistance and Recovery Program (HARP)
The program will provide financing to owner-occupied residential homes to help them repair, elevate and, in some cases, rebuild their primary homes damaged by Hurricane Ida.
Families must have been the occupants and owners of the property on the date of the hurricane. Primary residences must be located in one of the following declared disaster counties: Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union, and Warren.
HARP applications are available online. They may also request a HARP application from the DCA Division of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation, Office of Constituent Services at (609) 292-3750 or by email at [email protected].
Housing Counseling and Legal Services Program
The program will offer a wide range of support services to both renters and homeowners affected by Hurricane Ida to help them recover from the effects of the hurricane. Services range from assessing housing needs, reviewing family finances, identifying available resources, to supporting people in applying for disaster recovery programs.
There is more information about the Program online. You can also call (609) 619-4463 or email [email protected] for more information about accessing services.
Other additional programs are under development and will start in the coming months. For more information on DCA’s Ida recovery programs, visit this website.
The three new programs are included in the HUD-approved Hurricane Ida Action Plan for New Jersey with $228 million in CDBG-DR funds awarded for recovery actions due to Ida. The Action Plan was developed in consultation with New Jersey residents, county and municipal officials, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders, as well as feedback received by DCA from countless people who filled out the Hurricane Ida Record.
