Hoboken Community Center Celebrates $1 Million Grant From State

Press release from The Hoboken Community Center:

July 9, 2021

The Hoboken Community Center (HCC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, received a $1 million grant in the 2022 New Jersey state budget based on requests from local legislators. The HCC, which is located at 1301 Washington Street, has a three-pronged mission that includes an affordable housing program that serves 96 low-income men, the rehabilitation of the community and recreation center, and the Hoboken Food Pantry (HFP).

A significant design and operating issue was recently identified with the building's HVAC system, which will require a total redesign and replacement of the building’s heating and cooling system. The state grant will allow for this vital repair--though it will cost substantially more--to ensure the long term successful operation of the affordable housing program.

"Since 1927, the Hoboken Community Center has provided affordable housing at our current location on Washington Street,” said Toni Tomarazzo, Board Member and Secretary of the Hoboken Community Center. “The housing program, which supports many residents with very limited incomes and limited housing options, currently receives no project-based housing vouchers and is funded through rental income, social service agency support, and private donations. Financial challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic created significant financial difficulties with a decline in rental income and an increase in expenses. Limited options to finance repairs of the critical HVAC system were available. This grant will finance the replacement of the HVAC system, and for that, we are thankful to Assemblywoman Chaparro and Senator Stack for their dedication to our cause so that we can continue to provide affordable housing in the City of Hoboken. We are also grateful to the Mayor, Council, countless volunteers and donors who work tirelessly and donate so generously to support our Hoboken neighbors in need through the food pantry and the affordable housing program.”

"When residents needed help the most, the Hoboken Community Center and its food pantry worked to ensure our community's seniors and others could safely get groceries amidst shelter in place orders, and it continued to be a truly amazing resource throughout the pandemic,” said Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro. “Especially after seeing their work up close and personal last year, it was my pleasure to advocate for additional funding as part of the state budget. With this $1 million from the state, I'm happy to see this terrific organization continue to grow and serve Hoboken and make a positive impact on our community."

“The Hoboken Community Center has been a critical lifeline to so many members of our community, especially over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “This $1 million to support their efforts will go a long way to ensuring those who need a helping hand have the Hoboken Community Center to turn to as we continue our recovery. We are glad to strongly support the HCC’s efforts, and I thank Assemblywoman Chaparro and Toni Tamarazzo for spearheading this effort to secure extra funding from the State, along with Governor Murphy and Senator Stack.”

"In tough times, this organization has thrived and served as a lifeline for so many of our residents,” said State Senator Brian Stack. “I encourage all those who care about a better Hoboken and ensuring that people who need help do receive it to learn about the Community Center and their mission.”"

Housing for single low income men in Hudson County is extremely limited. The HCC's affordable housing program is the last single resident occupancy in northern Hudson County and serves as both a long term housing option for many men and also as a transitional housing option where residents have an opportunity to have shelter as they pursue financial, medical and employment improvements.

According to the most recent U.S. Census, approximately 1 in 9 Hoboken residents live below the poverty level. Food insecurity is a serious issue for many residents, especially senior citizens who live alone. The HFP has seen a sharp rise in the numbers of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity during this public health and economic crisis.

The HFP continues to serve the community with grab-and-go bags of groceries on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at three Hoboken locations: the HFP at 1301 Washington Street, the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand Street, and the Jubilee Center at 601 Jackson Street. Clients also have the opportunity to “shop” for non-food items, such as diapers, toiletries and cleaning products twice per month at the HFP during Family 2 Family hours.

To learn more about the HFP, including how to donate or shop the Amazon Wish List, visit hobokencc.org.

This press release was produced by The Hoboken Community Center. The views expressed here are the author's own.