Burlington County residents in need of rental, mortgage and utility help will receive more than just information at an upcoming Housing and Utility Assistance Fair.
During the first-of-its-kind event hosted by the Burlington County Commissioners, Burlington County Department of Human Services and Congressman Andy Kim, residents can also receive hands-on, in-person help with completing applications and filling out forms for aid.
The free event will be held Monday, Nov. 8 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Burlington County Human Services Building, 795 Woodlane Road, Westampton.
Among the programs that will be discussed is the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program run by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and Burlington County’s Emergency Mortgage and Utility Assistance Program.
Both programs can help households financially impacted by the pandemic with back or future rent or mortgage payments. Utility help is also available along with aid for homeless or those in danger of becoming homeless due to eviction or foreclosure.
Information will also be available about down-payment assistance for first-time home buyers.
“In Burlington County, we’re determined to get our residents as much help as possible and make sure they don’t face a housing crisis on top of the existing health crisis,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “This Fair will provide our residents with the perfect opportunity to not only learn more about available assistance but to actually get help signing up and applying for aid that very same day.”
“The pandemic has hit people so hard that some are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, while others are having to choose between a meal and paying utilities,” said Congressman Andy Kim. “I voted for the American Rescue Plan to get shots in arms, kids in school, and people back to work. I’m glad to partner with Burlington County for this Housing and Utility Assistance Fair so we can also get people the relief they need.”
State Senator Troy Singleton, who is chair of the Senate’s Community and Urban Affairs Committee, also encouraged those experiencing financial hardships to attend the upcoming fair and obtain help applying for assistance.
“No family should wind up evicted or in foreclosure because of the pandemic and the related economic fallout. Our federal government, State and County have worked together to ensure that housing assistance is available to those who need it,” Singleton said. “More than 1,700 Burlington County households have received aid so far and this fair will help reach even more families in need and make sure every resident has a safe place to call home.”
More than a dozen agencies are expected to participate in the fair, which will feature open sessions where agency representatives will be available to meet with individuals to answer questions and provide help with applications. Some computers and tablets will be available for those seeking help with online applications.
The participating agencies include: Oaks Integrated Care, Burlington County Board of Social Services, Burlington County Office of Community Development and Housing, Soldier On, Volunteers of America, Christian Caring Center, Catholic Charities, The Burlington County Housing Hub, Burlington Community Action Partnership (BCAP), South Jersey Legal Services, Servicios Latinos de Burlington County, Legacy Treatment Services, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.
There will also be an elected official’s table for inquiries about other constituent services.
Individuals coming to the Housing and Utility Assistance Fair must wear a mask or appropriate face covering when inside the Human Services Building. Those planning on applying for assistance should also bring a valid ID and proof of income or loss thereof.
