March 11th 2023 - District Staff Meeting

President Tom Toronto is at the helm of the organization and, along with his team, provides supportive housing for individuals with varying needs including intellectual and developmental disabilities. A recognized diagnosis such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis is required to be eligible for state subsidies for special needs housing. Accommodations include group homes that require round-the-clock supervisory support as well as independent living apartments, where the residents do not require such close oversight. "Each project has its own distinct application process," says Tom.

The United Way also builds housing for veterans, seniors, and low-income families, keeping with their mission to build quality homes that empower individuals and families to live independently and thrive in the communities of their choice. "Affordable housing is needed because costs are so high. So far, we've completed 34 projects which house over 600 people," says Tom.

Many projects become combined living communities, blending group home accommodations and independent living apartments with adjacent senior and veteran residences. "Everyone lives quite happily together," says Tom. "It’s a nice, blended model. Seniors become adjunct grandparents in some cases. Supportive affordable housing has been traditionally underserved.”

Thanks to the past success of these models, projects are being welcomed into local communities. “People see what we build and say, ‘why not here?’ We are also checking the boxes for municipalities’ affordable housing requirements,” states Tom.

Some properties require significant environmental clean-up before being approved for residential use. “We are remediating the property to a residential social standard for the betterment of the neighborhood and then building affordable housing. This represents a win-win for the state,” he says.

The United Way finds the sites and builds the homes, but it doesn’t stop there. “We’re not service providers,” says Tom, “but we offer service coordination. Our United Way staff makes sure folks are involved and comfortable in their community and ensure the care-giving and service relationships are as they should be.” Group homes are contracted with a service provider which manages the day-to-day care of the residents. Don't miss this informative program.

I also want to remind all Presidents that if you have not picked up the District marketing flash drive that they will be available at the meeting. If you can't attend please send a representative from your club to pick up the marketing material. The Clubs that have not received the Flash drives are as follows:

Allendale/ Upper Saddle River          Hackensack

Meadowlands                                    Fair Lawn

Jersey City                                           Kearny

North Hudson                                     Park Ridge

Pascack Valley                                      Passaic Valley

Pompton Lakes                                    Paterson Great Falls

Ridgewood                                          Ridgewood AM

Rutherford                                            Secaucus

Teaneck                                                Wayne AM

Wayne                                                  West Milford

Wyckoff/. Midland Park

I look forward to seeing you all on March 11th at 6:30pm at the Brownstone.