A core part of the Newark Housing Authority’s mission is to invest in families to promote economic self-sufficiency and build healthier communities. Client Services aims to provide the necessary means, opportunities, and supportive services to achieve this mission. We seek to establish partnerships with service providers to offer our residents education, training, counseling, employment opportunities, and medical attention.
Through a network of community partners and a streamlined referral process, these services are made easily accessible to our residents. NHA offers a variety of programs through these partnerships to help residents achieve self-sufficiency. Some programs prepare individuals to join the workforce through basic adult education and skills training, while others offer seminars and workshops on managing household finances. Additionally, counseling services are available to help residents overcome challenges. Explore our menu of services, and you are sure to find something that meets your needs.
Client Services: Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
The Newark Housing Authority's (NHA) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program aims to reduce the dependency of low-income families on TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and other federal, state, and local subsidies. To date, many families have graduated from the FSS program, embarking on rewarding careers in various fields. FSS graduates have used their savings for down payments on homes, education, purchasing cars, paying off debt, and more.
How the Program Works
The FSS program is open to Housing Choice Voucher Program participants who are in good standing and have a genuine desire to change their lives. The head of household works with a case manager to set goals and develop a personalized action plan to achieve those goals. Services are tailored to each participant's needs and include:
- Skills assessment
- GED preparation
- Career planning
- Computer literacy and skills training
- Money management workshops
- Child care referrals
- Credit repair workshops
A key component of the program is a savings initiative. As participants reach their goals and their earned income increases, NHA deposits a matching amount into an escrow account. Upon achieving all their goals, including maintaining full-time employment, participants receive the total amount in the escrow account, plus interest.
Participation in the FSS program is voluntary but strongly recommended for NHA public housing residents. Upon acceptance into the program, participants must sign a Contract of Participation and work with NHA staff to develop an Individual Training and Service Plan (ITSP).
The term of the Contract of Participation is up to five years or until the participant achieves their goals. During this period, participants must accomplish the goals outlined in their ITSP, complete an educational program (degree or job training), and seek and maintain employment.
Completion of the FSS program can significantly improve the quality of life for you and your family.
Benefits of the FSS Program
- Personal counseling
- Career counseling
- Educational counseling
- Educational seminars/workshops (e.g., nutrition, parenting skills, GED preparation, ESL, money management, and basic skills and education needed to enter the workforce through NHA's Workforce Learning Link program)
- Networking opportunities
- Job preparation assistance
- Assistance with educational institution and financial aid applications
- Help with defaulted student loan situations
- Credit repair assistance
- Group activities
- FSS escrow accounts
- Homeownership counseling
- Referral services
Crime Prevention and Fire Safety Program
The City of Newark's Police and Fire Department visit senior sites annually to conduct workshops on general safety tips and fire prevention.
Health & Wellness
On-Site Medical Clinics
The Newark Housing Authority provides on-site medical clinics to offer health care services to our residents. These clinics are open Monday through Friday at the following locations:
- New Community Health Center: 101 Ludlow Street, Newark, NJ
- Beth Israel Medical Center at James C. White Manor: 516 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ
- Center of Hope at Hyatt Court: 11 Hawkins Court, Newark, NJ
- Center of Hope at: 190 South Street, Newark, NJ
Hobbies & Recreation
On-Site Activities
Many of our senior sites have been renovated in the past year, with special attention to community rooms. Residents can participate in arts and crafts programs and regular bingo games. Additionally, several lounges now feature billiard tables, fireplaces, and widescreen televisions, enhancing the recreational experience for our residents.
Client Services: Tenant Organizations
Tenant Associations
Each tenant association is an independent non-profit corporation guided by by-laws and site-specific house rules. There are 24 public housing tenant associations at various NHA properties, funded by Annual Contribution Contract set-aside funds, with an allocation of $25.00 per occupied unit, subject to pro-ration.
Tenant associations are required by their by-laws, Funding Agreement (FA), and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to hold regular meetings. Senior/Mixed Population Developments or Family Developments must hold nine meetings per year, while Scattered Site Developments must hold six meetings per year. During these meetings, members report information from the Resident Advisory Board’s (RAB) monthly meeting and compile management concerns received from community residents. These issues and concerns are reported to the RAB and documented for NHA Management to address. Tenant Associations must submit monthly reports, including financial treasurer’s reports on spending and minutes of their meetings with residents.
The Client Services Division Tenant Affairs Unit interacts directly with elected tenant association officers to promote and encourage active resident involvement in all aspects of NHA’s mission and operations.
Resident Advisory Board (RAB)
The Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA) of 1998 requires public housing authorities with over 250 units to establish a Resident Advisory Board (RAB) representing the residents. NHA’s RAB consists of duly elected Tenant Association representatives recognized by NHA. According to 24 CFR Part 903, the RAB assists in developing the Public Housing Agency (PHA) plan and any significant amendments or modifications to the plan.
The RAB meets eleven months of the year (excluding August) on the third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm. Meetings are open to the public, but speaking at a RAB meeting is limited to representatives of duly elected and recognized tenant associations.
Community Room Attendants Program
Community Room Attendant volunteers perform duties at NHA senior/mixed development community rooms for three to four-hour shifts, Monday through Saturday, or as designated by the sponsoring tenant association and agreed upon by the Asset Manager. Attendants monitor activities of residents and guests entering the room, ensuring their duties are performed efficiently, honestly, and professionally while providing exemplary customer service.
Collaboration with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America, distributes food, provides education and training, and develops programs to help hungry people throughout the state. Since its incorporation in 1982, CFBNJ has grown significantly, feeding more than 4.7 million people annually through its network of partner charities. With support from individuals, corporations, foundations, houses of worship, schools, and community groups, CFBNJ has distributed approximately 600 million pounds of food, valued at nearly one billion dollars.
In collaboration with NHA and the Tenant Associations, CFBNJ services several Tenant Associations throughout Newark. The tenant associations receiving commodities include:
- Stephen Crane Elderly NJ2-22 D
- Baxter Terrace Elderly NJ2-22B
- James C. White Manor NJ2-25
- Seth Boyden Elderly NJ2-21E
- Kretchmer Homes Elderly NJ2-21A
- Bradley Court NJ2-14
- Pennington Court NJ2-2
For more information about any of the Client Services programs, please contact the Newark Housing Authority at .