Exhibit J – Statement of Activities
Applicant: Habitat for Humanity of Southern Central New Jersey (Habitat SCNJ)
HPG Program Type: Homeowner Assistance Program
Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey seeks financial assistance in order to provide housing preservation services targeting very low and low-income homeowners in rural areas of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, and Mercer Counties as well as Cranbury of Middlesex County in New Jersey. The assistance will cover costs for Habitat staff, volunteers, and trusted contractors to complete general rehabilitations, accessibility installations, and energy efficiency improvements.
Recipients will be selected based on location of residence, good standing of homeownership, income eligibility, and demonstration of need. Applications and documentation verifying income and homeownership will be reviewed by an Intake Coordinator, followed by the Neighborhood Revitalization Director, who will conduct site assessments to determine specific preservation needs. Selected projects will ideally be prioritized based on the severity of the housing conditions, but weather, contractor timelines, and supply availability also plays a factor. Homeowner Agreements will formally determine scope of work. Regular inspections will be conducted to monitor and ensure the quality of the work performed.
iii. Environmental Impact Identification and Compliance
Habitat SCNJ will adhere to the environmental review procedures as outlined in § 1944.672 and comply with the PMOA stipulations (RD Instruction 2000–FF). Potential environmental impacts will be identified using Exhibit F–1 or an equivalent process acceptable to Rural Development.
All housing preservation work will comply with Rural Development standards for existing dwellings unless alternative standards have been approved by local jurisdictions. Documentation of such approvals will be maintained.
The program will operate on a rolling basis with individual projects scheduled for completion within 6 months from the start date. The overall duration is anticipated to be 12 months.
The program will require a project manager which will be fulfilled by the Neighborhood Revitalization Director, as well as a field supervisor, laborer, and intake coordinator. Additional volunteers and licensed contractors will be engaged as needed.
vii. Estimated Number of Persons to be Assisted
The program aims to assist approximately 15 households in rural areas, an estimated 60% of which will identify as a minority.
viii. Geographical Area to be Served
The program will serve rural communities of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, and Mercer Counties as well as Cranbury of Middlesex County in New Jersey.
The annual budget for the program is estimated at $229,808. This includes:
The proposed funds of $100,000 will be drawn quarterly to match project progress, ie – Q1: $25,000; Q2: $25,000; Q3: $25,000; Q4: $25,000
Not applicable as there are no other sources of Federal funding at this time.
Habitat SCNJ utilizes QuickBooks for financial management, ensuring transparency and accuracy in fund allocation and reporting. There are multiple layers of staff that monitor and manage financials, from the Accounting Coordinator, to the Controller, to the Chief Financial Officer as well as the Board of Directors and its committees.
xii. Method of Evaluation
The program’s effectiveness will be evaluated through quarterly reports submitted to Rural Development, documenting progress, financial expenditure, photographs of before and after the project, and feedback from homeowners.
xiii. Source and Estimated Amount of Other Financial Resources
Additional financial resources will be sourced from corporate and community foundation grants, individual donations, and ReStore revenue. The estimated additional funding is $129,808.
xiv. Use of Program Income
Any program income received will be reinvested into the HPG activities. Funds will be tracked in QuickBooks and monitored by accounting staff.
In the event of a loss of legal status, Habitat SCNJ will transfer any security instruments to a designated local Habitat for Humanity affiliate or similar housing organization, ensuring continuity of service.
xvi. Additional Information
For veteran homeowners, our staff connect them with community resources to ensure their enrollment in benefits. For aging homeowners in need of accessibility installations, a home assessment by a certified “Aging In Place” healthcare professional and will receive resources to other services as needed.
xvii. Outreach Efforts
Outreach efforts aim to reach all potential individuals who would be interested and eligible for services. This includes sharing program information at meetings like the Atlantic County Community Network Association, social media posts about open applications, program information, and impact stories, partnerships with local organizations, and direct engagement with potential recipients through mailings, workplace brochure distributions, and tabling community events.
Public Comment Period
This statement of activities will be submitted to local media sources (Burlington County Times, MidJersey News, & AC Weekly) as well as published on the Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey website in the News&Events Section on July 1, 2024. The public comment period will be open for 15 days, closing on July 15, 2024. Comments can be submitted to jhullins@habitatscnj.org