For Immediate Release: December 6, 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

Christie Administration Awards Grant to
Bergen County Community Action Partnership During Season of Service
$400,000 Grant to Assist with Services to Homeless Individuals in Bergen County

HACKENSACK -- As part of the Christie Administration's Season of Service initiative, Motor Vehicle Chairman and Chief Administrator Raymond P. Martinez today visited the Bergen County Community Action Partnership (BCCAP) to announce a $400,000 grant for the agency's work to help the homeless in that county.

"Gov. Christie has emphasized the importance of community service since his inauguration," said Chief Martinez. "I am so honored to represent the governor at today's grant presentation as I too believe in the importance of volunteering and helping those who are in need."

The funding, through the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing program, will go toward the organization's efforts to assist 78 income-eligible clients living on the streets or in emergency shelters with temporary rental assistance and stabilization services. The BCCAP can also use the grants to assist individuals in imminent risk of homelessness due to an eviction.
 
"This funding is especially important at a time when the poor are struggling to cope with paying for essentials," said Robert Halsch, Executive Director of the BCCAP. "Without this assistance, these clients might otherwise be facing dire circumstances."

The BCCAP collaborates with a significant number of public and private organizations in the county to change the lives of those in need through education, economic opportunities, housing and human services.

Today's event in Hackensack is part of the Christie Administration's second annual Season of Service.  Last year, cabinet members participated in approximately 60 events across the state including serving meals on wheels to shut-ins and helping to serve and stock food pantries;   stuffing care packages for military service members overseas and holiday letter writing to troops abroad; and collecting and delivering coats to homeless shelters.

Gov. Christie has emphasized the importance of community service since his inauguration in 2010.