The Hoboken Community Center will use their $1 million allocation from the state to upgrade the HVAC system used in their affordable housing program.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The HCC, located at 1301 Washington St., 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).
The state grant will allow for this vital HVAC 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,” HCC Secretary and Board Member Toni Tomarazzo said in a statement.
“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.”
She also noted that the financial challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic left limited options to fund the HVAC repairs, also offering her thanked to state Senator Brian Stack and Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro (both D-33) for securing the funding.
“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,” added 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.”
Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who praised Chaparro for locking in the funding last week, continued to express enthusiasm about the endeavor.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Additionally, Stack gave the HCC high marks for thriving and serving as a lifeline for Hoboken residents.
“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,” he noted.
Furthermore, the Hoboken Food Pantry continues to serve the community with grab-and-go bags of groceries on the first and third Friday of each month at three Hoboken locations: their address at 1301 Washington St., the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand St., and the Hoboken Housing Authority at 311 Harrison St.
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.
