Newark, New Jersey; The Newark Housing Authority (NHA) announces the receipt of $703,193 dollars to support fifty-nine (59) new Mainstream Housing Choice vouchers designated to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities who are transitioning out of institutional settings, are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.

"This is a result of a collaborative effort by the City of Newark and the Housing Authority to assist our most at risk population," said Executive Director Victor Cirilo. "We thank the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other partners for continuing to support our long term plans to address homelessness. Housing choice program vouchers allow very low-income families, the elderly, and disabled to rent affordable, safe, and sanitary housing. Under program guidelines, the recipient chooses their own housing in the local private housing market. The housing unit must meet quality inspection standards and be maintain to the standards of the Housing Authority.

"We applaud the Housing Authority's efforts on assisting our pro-active approach to addressing the issue of homelessness," said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. "These vouchers will make a positive impact on the lives of residents in need, and help us build a more empowered and equitable city. Everyone deserves a decent, safe, and affordable place to live." The Housing Authority has submitted applications the last two years in response to the City of Newark's efforts to continue operating the Sussex Avenue Homeless Shelter. This year's award supplements the $827,917 received for seventy (70) mainstream vouchers in 2018. In addition, Housing Authority Executive Director Cirilo also serves on the Mayor's Homeless Commission, which has been tasked with finding long term solutions to the issue.