In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we sometimes forget how much stability matters. For many people, Jersey City has been their home their entire lives. It is a place where everyone knows everyone. It is small enough to know your way around, yet vast enough to discover new things.
Over the past decade, the city has increased in popularity leading to an influx of people and with that the cost of living continues to increase leading many families to struggle.
The mayor of Jersey City, Steve Fulop has operated on developing more economic growth, infrastructure, and housing needs. During his state of the city address this year he detailed some of what he has done.
“We’ve permitted nearly three times the amount of housing than New York City,” said Fulop. “We’ve still achieved unprecedented progress.”
This highlights the mayor’s efforts to address housing challenges in Jersey City through initiatives such as affordable housing zones.
Yet for students like Arthur Moreno, housing has recently become a challenge. It does not affect his positivity for the future, but is causing him to worry about stability. Recently, Moreno’s family experienced a sudden upheaval when their homeowner sold their home, leaving his family a short amount of time to move out and find somewhere else to stay.
“Our new house is way more expensive; the rent went up about a thousand dollars more,” said Moreno. “My mom and I have received a lot of support from my family; without them, I don’t think it would’ve been this easy moving.”
Tevin Anthony, a security guard at UACHS while currently attending Hudson Community College shared his perspective.
“I believe that the rent increases in Jersey City are a joke; the landlord takes your rent, but doesn’t repair the rental property,” said Anthony. “They are trying to make the place look nice on the outside but on the inside nothing is done. They just want you for your money.”
Rising rent has forced numerous residents to work multiple jobs just to afford basic living expenses.
“Me working three jobs takes away my time to study, yet half the people who are facing the same issues have already left Jersey or others are struggling worse than I am,” said Anthony. “They can’t afford their rent; some people are lucky…half the people I grew up with are gone.”
While there is progress being made, families are still struggling to keep their homes and students have to face upheaval and housing instability. It is clear that the housing crisis in Jersey City continues to need immediate attention.
Mayor Fulop highlights the upcoming Bayfront project. Starting later in the year, it will include 8,000 units, and 35% of it will be affordable housing.
“It represents one of the largest projects in the northeast United States,” said Fulop. “We’re committed to ensuring that Jersey City remains a place where everyone can call,.. home.”
Continued efforts to restore and expand affordable housing are important. It’s a step in addressing the rising cost of living and congestion in Jersey City.
As the city continues to develop affordable housing it will be a key to ensure that families can call a place home for many more years to come.
