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Welcome to HOMECorp

HOMECorp has recorded a number of successes in its mission: to provide safe, permanently affordable homes in Montclair and to promote neighborhood development. As an organization, HOMECorp seeks to strengthen the community fabric by assisting families who are largely disenfranchised from the booming housing market in Montclair. We remain an ecumenical, community-based non-profit organization that is the only entity in Montclair spending all of its time and resources on providing affordable housing.

Since its founding in 1988, HOMECorp restored and built new 19 dwellings (33 units) and 43 apartments in Montclair. Once barely habitable, these existing properties housed in excess of 260 homeowners and tenants, transforming a neighborhood of deteriorating rental units to one characterized by new energy and the optimism of first-time homeowners. In addition, HOMECorp's efforts have spurred private development of adjoining properties, further improving the housing stock.

HOMECorp participates in our community in a number of ways. HOMECorp collaborates with the Montclair Township Council and the Township Affordable Housing Commission. The Housing Commission evolved in part from HOMECorp staff's leadership role on the former Montclair Affordable Housing Task Force. The outcome of this community organizing is theTownship's development of a long range affordable housing strategic plan in which HOMECorp will play a critical role. We sponsor a community garden and street fair on Miller Street. We work with Glenfield Middle School to recognize students for academic excellence and community service. We offer counseling and support to prospective homebuyers and renters - families likely to stay and work to improve neighborhood conditions.

Housing prices in Montclair typically commands a premium over neighboring communities - often as much as 25%. Such high prices frequently shut out low, moderate and middle-income families who seek to become homeowners. While Montclair continues to attract families from outside the township - drawn to our town by the excellent public schools and vibrant multi-cultural community life - many are long-term residents who often encounter difficulty in remaining in their own hometown.

Our additional challenge concerns the dwindling supply of houses to renovate in the face of the growing demand for affordable housing. Acquisition and initial property investment typically outstrips available government subsidies which help write down project costs thereby making affordable housing feasible. Consequently, higher property costs require access to greater sources of capital. Our financial support from both individuals and institutions remains strong, but is not sufficient to meet our needs. Over the last several years HOMECorp has bridged the gap via developer fees, institutional grants, and fundraisers. Most recently HOMECorp contracted with Montclair Township to provide an array of affordable housing services to the Montclair community recognizing the fact that HOMECorp is the only community-based organization providing tangible solutions to Montclair's housing needs.These challenges require that we be more innovative in our efforts and more efficient in our funding of the escalating costs of our work.

The Board of Trustees and staff continue to work hard to fulfill our strategic plan. We thank all of our supporters, friends and partners for your help in our effort to achieve our vision: restoring Montclair to make every house a home. We ask for your continued support in helping us help Montclair.