About HOMECorp

HOMECorp a community-based non-profit organization, formed in 1988 by concerned residents and religious institutions in Montclair, New Jersey to improve and develop housing in Montclair. Its mission is to provide safe, permanently affordable housing in Montclair and to promote neighborhood development. As an organization, HOMECorp seeks to strengthen the community foundation by assisting families who are largely disenfranchised from the robust housing market in Montclair.

WORKING HAND IN HAND

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.

Founded in 1988, HOMECorp is committed to providing permanent/long-term support and the resources required to achieve its objective of stabilizing neglected areas of the town and enabling Montclair's low- and middle-income families, including senior citizens on fixed incomes, to live safely in beautifully restored homes. HOMECorp identifies distressed properties and, with the support of public and private funders returns them to their former splendor as affordable homes. In fact, HOMECorp is the only community-based nonprofit organization in Montclair that spends all of its time and resources providing affordable housing.

MONTCLAIR HELPING MONTCLAIR

The renovation of blighted properties not only creates affordable housing opportunities, but often shores up an entire neighborhood, preventing further deterioration of its housing stock by securing new residents with a commitment to improving their block and their community. The results have been phenomenal. Since its inception, HOMECorp has acquired, renovated and sold 31 units of housing and rented 43 others.

With the hands-on assistance of local residents, donations of materials and the support of friendly lending institutions, professionals and groups of Montclair volunteers have contributed their time, expertise and financial assistance to rebuild houses purchased by HOMECorp for resale and rental.

MILLER STREET INITIATIVE

An example of the impact HOMECorp has made in transforming a neighborhood is evident in the Miller Street Historic District where nearly 95 percent of the units were restored by HOMECorp. Hundred-year old homes received new roofs and windows, fresh coats of paint and extensive upgrades to prepare them for the decades to come. As a result, the block is now a comfortable and stable environment for homewoner and rental families. Occupants of the residences were selected from a pool of prospective first-time homebuyers.

PARTNERS IN SUCCESS

HOMECorp's commitment to each project continues long after the restoration is completed. Its staff has taken a leadership role in a town-wide needs assessment to assure that the issue of affordable housing is not sidetracked. With real estate prices in Montclair as much as 25 percent higher than in surrounding communities, moderate- and low income families, many of whom are long-term Montclair residents, face elimination from the housing market. HOMECorp also sponsors a community garden and street fair on Miller Street, and offers counseling and support to prospective homebuyers and renters who are likely to stay in the community and work to improve neighborhood conditions.

HOMECorp is able to achieve its high measure of success because of the strong relationships it has formed with individual contributors, funders, churches and other Montclair-based organizations including Montclair Public Schools and the Montclair Police and Fire Departments. Major funding is received from JP Morgan/Chase, Bank of America, New Jersey Community Capital Corp., the Julius W. Foster Fund, The Montclair Foundation, The Sandy Hill Foundation, The Montclair Fund for Women, E. Franklin Robbins Charitable Trust, The Silver Family Foundation, The Whitehill Foundation, Kuhl Designs, The Rotary Club of Montclair, United Way of North Essex, the Montclair religious community, Montclair businesses and the Junior League of Montclair-Newark. Additional support is provided by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development and the Township of Montclair.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT

To help HOMECorp preserve affordable housing in Montclair, make contributions payable to HOMECorp and forward to One Woodland Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042.

You may also download a donation form by clicking here (donation form) and forward to the same mailing address.