Like most other nonprofit, community-based organizations, New Jersey Deaf Housing is keeping our mission alive during the Covid-19 shut-down. Even though we are unable to meet in person or attend Supportive Housing Association and Deaf community events in New Jersey, we continue to advocate for affordable and fully accessible housing for our Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened residents by responding to inquiries on our website and spreading awareness in our regular contacts with other service providers.
Our contract with Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf in Ewing is still on hold. The State Department of Education office is concentrating only on matters related to maintaining our school systems online. Our proposal had almost made it through the “chain of command” (including our letter, below, that went to Governor Murphy) when coronavirus hit our country in mid-February. Naturally, the protection of the general population is considered a higher priority than specialized housing at this time.
As frustrating as it may be, we must accept this delay due to current circumstances. But we truly believe it is only temporary. We have faced a number of setbacks and obstacles during our long existence, but they have not killed our dream – Lila’s dream – of a safe and comfortable home for our aging Deaf population. This is just another! We will never give up!
Just as so much life and beauty that was once underground in our parks and gardens is now blooming, NJDH is growing quietly, “planted deeply” in the consciousness of our housing developers and politicians, our supporters and our family members. Nothing can undue all the progress we have made. When the time is right, our project will “blossom.” Please join our journey of HOPE and continue to advocate for DEAF ACCESSIBLE HOUSING RIGHTS. Many thanks for your continued support and for your faith in our mission during this difficult time.
Stay safe and strong! We need each other now more than ever.
