Michael Swayze's Community Resources

Category: Advocacy

  • Help For Homeless Veterans: HUD Announces New Funding

    Today is Independence Day, a national holiday, a day we celebrate with family and friends at barbecues, at the beach, watching fireworks. It’s also a day we pay tribute to the members of our armed forces and their families. Earlier today First Lady Michelle Obama issued a message. In it she stated the following, which is worth repeating here.

    “Our military families are tested each day. Multiple and extended deployments mean that children often don’t see their moms or dads for long periods of time. Civilian spouses juggle the demands of work and family without their partners for long stretches of time. Family members serve as primary care givers for our wounded warriors, and too many families bear the heartbreaking reality of moving forward with their lives while keeping the memory of our fallen heroes alive. Through it all, military families contribute countless hours to supporting other military families, being role models to our children, and making communities stronger. A small percentage of Americans fight our wars, but we need 100 percent of Americans to support these brave men and women and their families back home.”

    Last month the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that nearly 8000 homeless veterans will get permanent housing through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH). New Jersey vets and their families are expected to receive 150 HUD-VASH vouchers. Eligibility screening for the program occurs at designated VA Medical Centers and within designated Service Areas (Camden, Jersey City, Paterson, Newark, Trenton, and Elizabeth). Eligible veterans are provided supportive services and case management as well as being referred to a participating public housing authority for their rent subsidy voucher.

    The VA Medical Centers involved in this HUD-VASH voucher allocation are located at:

    East Orange – VA Medical Center
    385 Tremont Avenue
    East Orange, NJ 07018
    973-676-1000

    Lyons – VA Medical Center
    151 Knollcroft Road
    Lyons, NJ 07939
    908-647-0180
    Service areas includes: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren

    Philadelphia – VA Medical Center
    3900 Woodland Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA 19104
    215-823-5800
    Service area includes: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester

    Wilmington – VA Medical Center
    1601 Kirkwood Highway
    Wilmington, DE 19805
    302-994-2511 or 800-461-8262
    Service area includes: Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem

    If you know of a veteran who may qualify for the HUD-VASH program they should contact their local VA Medical Center. Or to connect to a trained VA staff person call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline at 877-4AID VET (877-424-3838). For other useful New Jersey contact information see HUD press release or visit the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs website.

  • New Jersey Extends LIHEAP Deadline to May 28, 2010

    The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs announced last week that the deadline for applying for benefits under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to Friday, May 28, 2010. This allows families, burdened by outstanding energy bills, additional time to apply for benefits and emergency assistance.

    For additional information call the NJ LIHEAP Hotline at 800-510-3102 or visit the New Jersey Community Resources energy page.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit & Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Sites

    Tax season is upon us and free tax sites, VITA sites, have opened their doors. This year several tax credits have been expanded to help put as much as $6,000 in the pockets of low-income working families. In particular, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are powerful resources for working people with low incomes.

    In 2008, 24 million claimed over $49 billion in EITC credit. The 2009 tax year marks a new year with the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) which created many new tax policies. Several tax credits have been increased including EITC and the CTC.

    Two new credits will put more money in the hands of low-income families including the Making Work Pay Credit and the New American Opportunity Credit which helps low income workers pay for college. With new and existing tax opportunities many more people will quality for benefits than in previous years. To find out more information on EITC visit EITC Central.

    Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are IRS sponsored programs that offer low-income working families (joint income under $49,000) free tax preparation. VITA sites are located across the country and are available so that low-income individuals do not have to pay for tax preparation or purchase products such as Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). RALs are high-interest loans designed to give tax filers a “quick refund.” RAL interest rates have been reported up to 500% and can ultimately cost the tax filer hundreds if not thousands of dollars. To help protect your clients from these predatory practices encourage them to have their taxes prepared for free at a local VITA site. To find the closest VITA site call: 1-800-906-9887 or visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html. New Jersey residents can also access tax assistance sites at the 2-1-1 website to get a list of free tax preparation sites.

    With all of the credits available for working families it is critical to promote tax assistance. Over the next several months it is vital to inform your clients about these tax credits and free tax assistance. By visiting the National Tax Credit Outreach Campaign website you will be able to print or order free flyers, posters, handouts, and access to an outreach strategy guide.

    Source: Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network