Ocean County Housing Alliance: Your Key to Affordable Homes

The Ocean County Housing Alliance (OCHA) is a beacon of hope for individuals and families in need of stable housing and supportive services in Ocean County, New Jersey. This non-profit organization, established in 1988, has been dedicated to preventing homelessness and providing assistance to those experiencing housing crises for over three decades.

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Understanding the Need for Ocean County Housing Alliance

this is an aerial view of a house on the coast with ocean in the background

Ocean County, with its beautiful shorelines and vibrant communities, faces a silent struggle with homelessness. According to the 2020 Point-in-Time Count, over 300 individuals were experiencing homelessness in Ocean County. The OCHA was founded to address this pressing issue and ensure that everyone in the community has access to safe, affordable housing.

Services Provided by Ocean County Housing Alliance

New affordable housing development gets first residents

The OCHA offers a comprehensive range of services designed to prevent homelessness, stabilize housing situations, and promote self-sufficiency. Their services include:

Emergency Rental Assistance: Providing financial assistance to help individuals and families pay for rent and utilities to prevent eviction.
Utility Assistance: Helping with utility bills to prevent shut-offs and maintain essential services.
Housing Counseling: Offering guidance on budgeting, credit improvement, and fair housing rights to empower clients to make informed decisions.
Rapid Re-Housing: Assisting individuals and families who have experienced homelessness in quickly securing permanent housing.
Supportive Services: Connecting clients with additional resources such as job training, education, and mental health services to promote self-sufficiency.

a house sitting on top of a sandy beach next to the ocean with a wooden fence in front of it

Ocean County Housing Alliance's Impact

The OCHA's efforts have resulted in a significant positive impact on the Ocean County community. In 2020 alone, they:

Prevented over 1,000 evictions through rental assistance.
Helped 150 individuals and families secure permanent housing through rapid re-housing.
Assisted over 500 individuals with utility payments to prevent shut-offs.

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How to Get Involved with Ocean County Housing Alliance

If you're interested in supporting the OCHA's mission, there are several ways to get involved:

Donate: Financial contributions help the OCHA provide critical services to those in need. You can donate online or by mail.
Volunteer: The OCHA welcomes volunteers to help with various tasks, from administrative support to event assistance.
Advocate: Raise awareness about homelessness and the importance of the OCHA's work by sharing their mission with others and encouraging them to get involved.