Dignitaries Gather to Celebrate the Launch of the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless 50 Homes in Five Years Campaign

Strategic Initiative Aims to Provide Housing for Union County’s Homeless Community

ELIZABETH, NJ – October 26, 2023 – The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, a leading organization in the field of homeless solutions, proudly announced the launch of their groundbreaking “50 Homes in Five Years Campaign” at their press conference, which gathered residents, board members, and dignitaries alike. This ambitious initiative aims to create 50 new housing units for homeless individuals, couples, and families within Union County over the next five years. The Coalition, as many refer to the organization, intends to achieve this goal by securing grants, as well as state and federal funding to acquire and renovate properties across the county.

“For more than forty years, the Coalition has offered housing and services to the most marginalized members of our community. We strive to be good neighbors and take good care of our homes,” said Linda Flores-Tober, Executive Director of the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless. “The face of homelessness has changed over the years; it now includes persons working full-time, families with two incomes, the elderly, and the disabled.”

The 50 Homes in Five Years Campaign is part of the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless’ strategic initiative to significantly expand the organization’s successful housing and services program. By increasing its housing stock, the organization seeks to address the growing issue of homelessness and provide a stable foundation for individuals and families to rebuild their lives.

“By providing safe, affordable housing, the Coalition does God’s work by not only transforming lives but strengthening the very fabric of Union County,” said New Jersey State Senator Joe Cryan. “This initiative reflects the essence of community resilience and compassion by addressing the evolving face of homelessness in our society.”

The key features of the 50 Homes in Five Years Campaign include housing for all, property acquisition and renovation, collaborative effort, and long-term solutions. The initiative will cater to the diverse needs of the homeless population, offering solutions for individuals, couples, and families. These properties will be transformed into safe, welcoming, and affordable housing units for families in need. The success of the 50 Homes in Five Years Campaign depends on the support and cooperation of the community; federal, state, county, and local governments; and potential partners. The non-profit organization envisions the 50 Homes in Five Years Campaign as a step towards breaking the cycle of homelessness, providing not just shelter but also support services to help individuals regain their independence.

“The Elizabeth Coalition has been in the forefront of housing the homeless and folks on the margins,” said Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “The City looks forward to working with The Coalition to help build homes for the members of our community who need that extra effort to have a residence.”

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Office of Homelessness Prevention Director Michael Callahan added, “The Elizabeth Coalition’s ambitious 50 Homes in Five Years campaign tackles the challenge of homelessness head-on by creating much-needed affordable housing units and pairing that housing with critical support services. Their dedication to uplifting persons experiencing and at-risk of homelessness in Union County is inspiring. At the Department of Community Affairs, we understand that safe, secure, and affordable housing is the first step towards stability for many vulnerable families and individuals. We commend both the Coalition and Linda’s leadership and steadfast commitment to Housing First principles. By securing roofs over heads and surrounding people with compassion, the Coalition lays the foundation for brighter futures.”

The organization invites Union County residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to join them in this critical mission. By offering a helping hand, together, the community can make a lasting impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

For more information or to inquire about a potential partnership, visit www.theelizabethcoalition.org.

About the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless:

The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless is a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to combating homelessness and poverty in Union County. Since 1981, the Coalition has worked tirelessly to provide shelter, housing, and support services to those in need. They work to provide individuals with the means to move into secure, reasonably priced, long-term housing. Their responsibility is to promote housing equity and community involvement for individuals.

###