Building That Houses Programs For Hoboken Kids Up For Sale

HOBOKEN, NJ — As they celebrate a quarter century of running programs to help to Hoboken's low-income kids, the nonprofit group that founded the Jubilee Center at 601 Jackson St. has listed the building for sale for $3.35 million.

The All Saints Community Service and Development Corporation, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, is governed by a 10-person board of directors that meets monthly. In 1996, the group raised enough government funds to fill gaps in programming for the kids who live in Hoboken's 1,383 units of affordable housing on the west side of town.

At the same time, over the last 15 years, other affordable programs like the YMCA summer camp have closed and rents have skyrocketed in the mile-square city.

The Jubilee Center has provided kids a daily after-school Homework Club, housed an affordable summer camp, and more.

Now some are concerned that Hoboken will lose another resource that helps the city maintain its socioeconomic diversity.

"What a shame!!!" wrote a resident on Facebook on Saturday, linking to the listing.

The building was listed for sale on July 7 with the description, "601 Jackson, a development site long the home of a beloved community center. Sitting on a 50 by 100 ft corner lot, this modern building contains commercial kitchen, community hall, classrooms and offices. ADA compliant and in accordance with NJDOE for daycare and educational use."

It notes that it's "Perfect for a developer that has a creative vision and a big heart as the community center returning to the site through creative redevelopment offers and city approvals are especially welcomed."

On Monday, Veronica Manning, the executive director of ASCSDC, addressed questions about the Center's future.

"Due to the ever-changing fundraising landscape and the Covid-19 shutdown, we are currently facing funding challenges that prevent us from continuing to own the building at 601 Jackson Street," she replied in an email. "In addressing this proactively, we will be able to establish a fund so that the work and mission of the Jubilee Center can continue. As an organization, we are firm in our commitment to maintain our relationship with this neighborhood and to continue to support the needs of this community."

Some of the Jubilee programs have been offered remotely amid the pandemic, and some are set to resume in person in late July.

Manning said, "We are most proud of our after school academic enrichment programs and our Summer Edu-Venture Camp, which readies the children for the upcoming school year while connecting them to a wide range of area enrichment opportunities including museums, parks, concerts, dance and history programs that widen their worldview while building a connection to the larger community — and have fun. Through our programs, young people develop strong study habits and perseverance."

She noted, "Jubilee’s programs provide children with nutritious meals each day, significantly reducing the burden of food costs on families, helping both the children and the community to thrive."

When asked if there are enough city programs to help lower income families, she noted, "There will always be more that can be done. A part of that is acknowledging and addressing the ways in which systemic racism intersects with poverty — poverty that can be found in our own community. The Jubilee Center is a part of a committed network of private citizens, local businesses and government institutions in Hoboken that focus on the needs of the low income population."

Recently, a number of people have been concerned that the city has proposed relaxing affordable housing requirements for developers.

In the city's public elementary schools, 52 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, meaning a family of three earns less than $3,289 per month (less than $2,311 to qualify for the free option). The average rent in town is $3,500 per month.

The town has a variety of low-income and affordable housing buildings that were built before 1980, but have long wait lists. Many units built before 1987 are also subject to rent control limits.

In January, the city cut the ribbon on a new community gym built next door to the Jubilee Center, donated as part of a giveback from a private developer who has built rentals on the west side of town.

To learn more about the Jubilee Center or help out, check out www.ascsdc.org.

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