Housing & Community Development Network of NJ

09/04/2026

Research, Advocacy, and Social Action: A Conversation with Teen Think Tank Project's Jiya Varma | From HCDNNJ Network Voices

Jiya Varma, a junior at Colts Neck High School, a Scout, and member of the Monmouth County Teen Think Tank Project’s Social Action Lab Fellowship, is no stranger to hard work. So when the Teen Think Tank took on dual advocacy roles, as Network member Affordable Housing Alliance hosted them at both the Network’s Legislative Day in Trenton and for an advocacy effort in Washington, D.C., she was ready to roll up her sleeves. HCDNNJ Communications Associate Shaun Moran sat down with Varma for a conversation on her experience with the Teen Think Tank Project and her vision for the future.

Teen Think Tank, pictured here with HCDNNJ president & CEO Staci Berger, was hosted by Network member Affordable Housing Alliance on Legi...

09/04/2026

Last chance to take advantage of the early bird discount! https://www.hcdnnj.org/network-conference

Early bird registration for this year's Under One Roof Conference is NOW OPEN!

This is a sell-out event - reserve your seat TODAY: https://www.hcdnnj.org/network-conference

09/03/2026

Thank you to Pinot's Palette for your hospitality on our Staff Appreciation Day! 🎨

08/31/2026

Full summer reading list just dropped ☀️📚 https://hcdnnjnetworkvoices.blogspot.com/2026/08/2026-summer-reading-list.html

08/28/2026

The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey was on-site in Providence, RI this week at the COA Summit for community development associations across the country! Here, we learned about some of the biggest issues in community development all over the country and how coalition building, service coordination partnerships, strategic alliances, and funding collaboratives can help achieve our goals. Thanks to our national partners at the Community Opportunity Alliance for hosting a deeply powerful event as we fight for a more affordable NJ!

08/26/2026

The Housing and Community Development Network of NJ is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ed Gittens, chief of staff to Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. As one of the Network's closest legislative allies, Ed navigated many of the state's most urgent affordable housing programs and funding through the legislative process. From securing additional funding for affordable home production to making it easier to apply for and find affordable homes to advancing tenant protections and promoting homeownership, Ed's impact spans far and wide across the community development sector.

Housing advocates are the most successful when we establish and build close working relationships, friendships, and allyships. Ed Gittens embodied that gold standard of trusted friendship and provided invaluable leadership and wisdom when our communities needed it most. Ed left a positive impact on everyone he came in contact with, and we will miss him beyond words. We will carry forward his legacy through our actions for fair, safe and equitable communities. Rest in Power, Ed.

08/24/2026

Next up on the Network's summer reading list, from Special Projects Coordinator Denise McCardle Ladden, "Lady Tan's Circle of Women" by Lisa See. ☀️📚

08/24/2026

Join Network president & CEO Staci Berger at this year's Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development for a discussion on small & emerging development.

Session Spotlight: 🏗️ You Don’t Need to Be Big to Build Big Impact
Small and emerging developers are transforming communities across New Jersey, delivering affordable housing, revitalizing neighborhoods, and bringing new ideas to the table.
Join us at the 2026 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development for a conversation about breaking down barriers to entry, creative capital stacks, and how public agencies can better support local development talent.
📅 September 29, 2026
🕥 10:30–11:45 AM ET
📍 Wildwood 12/13
Registration is now open!

08/24/2026

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08/24/2026

How a Billionaire Shaped Trump’s Homelessness Policy

"A co-founder of Palantir, the data-mining firm, Mr. Lonsdale, 43, is an unlikely force in homelessness policy. He brings to it vast wealth but no experience with homeless services and a distrust of conventional expertise. He argues that his outsider’s perspective gives him and the young generalists he hires a fresh view."

As Republicans have embraced tough measures to clear the streets, no group has led the way more than the Cicero Institute, founded by the venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale.