10-28-06 News Item

Philadelphia Inquirer

Posted on Sat, Oct. 28, 2006

Corzine says shelters to get $10 million

By Tom Hester Jr.
Associated Press

TRENTON - New Jersey is the wealthiest state in the nation, but it also has an estimated 10,000 homeless people. With that disparity in mind, Gov. Corzine yesterday said the state would provide $10 million in grants to homeless and domestic violence shelters throughout New Jersey.

"It is unacceptable that we have thousands of people waking up each day unsure of whether they have a place to spend the next night," Corzine said.

The grants go to 37 emergency and transitional shelters for homeless people and 15 domestic-violence shelters. They will be used for new construction and renovations, including furnishings and appliances.

The money will also be used to buy educational and training materials on domestic violence.

Elaine Meyerson, executive director of Shelter Our Sisters, a nonprofit program for domestic violence victims, said the money would prove invaluable. She read a note from a client marking her one-year anniversary since leaving the shelter. She now has an apartment and job and improved health and finances.

"I hope you can see the picture of why this investment is so worthwhile," Meyerson said.

The grants come from $1.6 million in federal funding, $4.3 million from a state housing fund and $4 million from the state budget.

Corzine also announced he is reinstating a statewide council on homelessness that had gone dormant.

"These initiatives are all about giving people a second chance in life," said state Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin.

The grants will also help people who leave the state's foster care system upon turning 21 years old.

Kevin Ryan, state Department of Children and Families commissioner, said studies show these young people often have difficulty finding housing once they lose their state-backed support.

"There are real challenges for these kids," Ryan said.