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Jersey City to award $600,000 in HOPWA funds to Let’s Celebrate; $130,813 in CDBG public-service grants allocated
Summary
City staff proposed reprogramming HOPWA reserve funds to award $600,000 to a nonprofit for short-term mortgage/utility assistance and tenant-based rental assistance, and outlined $130,813 in CDBG public-service awards split among local organizations.
City staff recommended that Jersey City reprogram a portion of unallocated HOPWA funds to award $600,000 to Let’s Celebrate for housing assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS, and presented a package of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public-service awards totaling $130,813.
HOPWA: HHS staff said the metropolitan statistical area change (integration with the New York City MSA) will affect future HOPWA allocations; as part of managing the current 2024 program year the city proposed $600,000 in awards drawn from a previously reserved $1.5 million. The recommended awards are $100,000 for short-term mortgage and utility assistance and $500,000 for tenant-based rental assistance to Let’s Celebrate. Staff said the organization has successfully spent prior tranches and is ready for more funds. Council members asked about the timing: HHS explained HOPWA has a three-year performance window and the city had held funds to manage transitions and spending capacity.
CDBG public services: Staff described that 15% of unallocated CDBG funds (the statutory cap on public services) equals $130,813 available for public-service awards. The staff recommended allocations of $11,315 each to multiple local organizations (ActNow, Hudson Community Enterprises, New City Kids, New Jersey Citizen Action, Styles House, Hudson CDBG health/wellness, Hudson Pride, Women Rising and others) and a larger award of $40,005 to Jersey City Department of Recreation for the Jersey City Jets tackle-football program. Staff said the awards are for the 04/01/2024–03/31/2025 program year.
The council asked whether other organizations applied for HOPWA funding; HHS replied that initial allocation decisions were made in 2023 and that this tranche reflects readiness to spend based on prior performance. No roll-call vote on these awards was recorded during the caucus session.
