Eileen Wirth
President & CEO
Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development

April is the month when the Fair Housing Act of 1968 is given a spotlight and fair housing rights and efforts to end housing discrimination are celebrated. Despite judicial successes, fair housing remains subject to debate and our nation continues to have conversations about inequity and the need for change.

As we start to end one year and enter another, I want to take a moment of time to Thank You for your past support and, to share news about our work and accomplishments during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many renters in New Jersey have been hit with a tsunami of financial strain over the past few months due to COVID-19.

And according to Out of Reach, an annual national report that compares rental housing costs across the country and was recently released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network), New Jersey is the seventh most expensive state for renters.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, MEND has witnessed first-hand the struggle of economically disadvantaged households. As the pandemic continues to run its course and our economic outlook worsens, new challenges arise for the people MEND supports: families, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities.

In an effort to protect and meet the urgent needs of those who might be on the brink, MEND is joining other concerned citizens and organizations in urging federal elected officials to include critical housing resources in the  proposed forthcoming “Phase 4” COVID-19 relief package.

During National Fair Housing Month in April, it’s an ideal time to reflect on the progress MEND has made over its 50+ year history… and the work that still needs to be done. This month increases efforts to end housing discrimination and raises awareness of fair housing rights.

Greetings,

For over 50 years, MEND has focused on our original founders’ mission of providing hard-working people with a “hand-up” – and a chance to live in a home they can afford.

As we all deal with COVID-19 as a community and a nation, MEND remains committed to focusing on our mission. While these unprecedented times are certainly challenging, we would like to make you aware of the steps we’ve taken to help ensure a healthy environment for our residents and employees.