NJ Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen discusses ‘tenants rights'

at large Latino non-profit in Union County

Notes that Union County leads the way in addressing the rights of tenants living in foreclosed properties -- county has designated October "Tenants Month"

ELIZABETH  -- Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen discussed issues confronting tenants living in Union County during a visit to the PROCEED Inc., a major Latino community-based organization  on October 7.

Chen has worked over the course of the last year to ensure that the rights of tenants living in foreclosed properties are protected. His department has fielded more than 150 calls from tenants concerned about their ability to remain in their homes once the property in which they are living has been foreclosed.

"It is important that people who are struggling in this down cycle in the economy know that help is available. I am proud that New Jersey is a national leader in providing mediation services to homeowners facing foreclosure. I am also proud that New Jersey provides the most significant protections to tenants living in foreclosed properties of any state," said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

Chen was joined by PROCEED Executive Director Teresa Soto Vega, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Assistant Director of Human Services Karen Dinsmore, Deputy Director of Central Jersey Legal Services Janice Chapin, and other housing advocates from Union County.

"New Jersey leads the nation in the assistance it is providing to property owners facing foreclosure and the protections it provides tenants living in foreclosed properties," said Chen, noting that Governor Jon S. Corzine launched one of the most ambitious homeowner foreclosure mediation programs in the country earlier this year.  Also, tenants are protected because under NJ law, tenants are able to stay in their homes if a property enters foreclosure and is acquired by a bank, said Chen.

During the meeting with PROCEED staff and local housing advocates and public officials, Chen learned about high demand for federal rental assistance funds recently made available to local agencies, including PROCEED, to assist tenants. PROCEED officials said they have had many calls from tenants seeking assistance through a Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing grant being administered by PROCEED Inc. These funds are being made available through federal Stimulus funding.

"I'm grateful that our Public Advocate, Ron Chen, was able to meet with the local agencies in our district, in an effort to help better serve our constituents. It is very important that the various levels of government and local agencies work together to provide a safety net to constituents when they are most vulnerable," said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. "I commend President Obama for providing funding for short-term/med-term rental assistance, utility assistance, hotel/motel placement, housing search and placement and credit repair funds in the federal stimulus package. I look forward to working with PROCEED in getting the information disseminated about the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program to people who now need this assistance."

Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski of Union County noted that:  "Today's meeting was an opportunity for policy makers, legislators, and professionals who deliver programs to come together to help home owners and tenants faced with potential loss of housing due to foreclosure.  By strengthening the linkages between organizations and by getting information to the public, we can maximize the services and programs that are available to help people move from a housing crisis toward stability and secure housing." 

"It is so very helpful that the Public Advocate is taking an interest in our local foreclosure issues, and particularly that he is interested in the plight of renters in foreclosed properties," said

Janice Chapin, Esq., Co-chair of the Subcommittee on Resources for Displaced Families, Union County Foreclosure Task Force.

"Union County and vital community organizations like PROCEED have lead the way in addressing the need of tenants during these difficult economic times," said Chen, noting that Union County was one of the first counties in the state to establish a Foreclosure Task Force that coordinates the efforts of county and municipal government resources, financial services organizations and nonprofit groups to help property owners and tenants stay in their homes or get other forms of assistance.

In addition, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has designated the month of October, 2009 as "Union County Tenant's Month."

"We are very grateful to Public Advocate Ron Chen and his staff for coordinating this meeting and bringing together consumers, community leaders, government officials, and legislators to address housing and tenants issues and concerns affecting residents of Union County, especially those individuals and families that are in eminent danger of becoming homeless."  said Teresa Soto Vega.

PROCEED Inc. was established to address the social, health and economic needs of the Latino and non-Latino communities in Elizabeth and surrounding community. The agency provides substance abuse treatment and educational programs aimed at reducing child abuse and domestic violence. The agency also provides preschool, after-school, and, summer camp services, utility payment assistance, senior citizens home repair, and energy conservation assistance to eligible citizens. PROCEED Inc. operates transitional housing for people with HIV/AIDS and develops low- and moderate-income housing.  As part of its Community Health Initiative, the agency provides a wide range of HIV/AIDS-related services including case management; support groups; and counseling and testing. The agency also  provides  information and referral about available services, entitlements, and programs in the community; interpretations and translations; senior citizens support and recreational services; financial emergency assistance for rent, utilities and food for clients in danger of becoming homeless; employment information and referral; and senior services.

For more information about the Public Advocate's tenants and foreclosure program can be obtained by visiting the Department website at www.njpublicadvocate.gov.