Press Release: Hoboken Councilmembers Fisher and Jabbour Announce CityCouncil Approval of Updated Agreement to Support AffordableHousing at Hoboken Community Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Hoboken Councilmembers Fisher and Jabbour Announce City Council Approval of Updated Agreement to Support Affordable Housing at Hoboken Community Center City reduces financial burden to help sustain housing for low-income men at Hoboken Community Center

Councilmembers Tiffanie Fisher and Emily Jabbour today announced the Hoboken City Council’s unanimous approval of an updated financial agreement to help support the long- term operations of the Hoboken Community Center’s (HCC) affordable housing program at 1301 Washington Street. Both Councilwomen are long-time, active volunteers with the HCC’s Food Pantry.

For nearly 100 years, the Hoboken Community Center has provided safe, stable housing to low-income men in our community. In 2012, the building underwent a major renovation, creating 96 single-room occupancy (SRO) units with shared bathrooms and other important upgrades. Unlike most affordable housing programs, this one does not receive public rental subsidies—it relies instead on tenant rents, donations, and grants to operate.

“MBS is one of Hoboken’s most impactful and quietly successful affordable housing programs—providing deeply affordable, stable housing for 96 low-income men without relying on traditional public rental subsidies,” said Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher. “I was proud to co-sponsor this ordinance to help secure the program’s financial future so it can continue meeting this critical need in our community.”

Councilwoman Emily Jabbour, who also co-sponsored the ordinance, added, “I am so grateful that Mayor Bhalla, the City of Hoboken, City Council, and board members from the Hoboken Community Center were successfully able to work together in the name of finding financial relief for the MBS Housing Program that meets a critical need to house some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Like many organizations, the Hoboken Community Center faced financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The updated agreement reduces the annual service charge paid to the City to 1% of gross revenues, consistent with the terms of the City’s recently approved agreement for the 100% affordable senior housing project at 1033 Willow Avenue. This change provides important financial relief and helps ensure the long- term sustainability of the program.

Ken Nilson, President of the Hoboken Community Center Board, added, "We’re incredibly grateful to Mayor Bhalla and the City Council for approving this agreement, which helps provide the financial stability our housing program needs to continue serving the men who call 1301 Washington home. This kind of support ensures we can stay focused on our mission—providing dignity, stability, and community to those most in need.”

This type of housing—deeply affordable and service-oriented—plays a critical role in preventing homelessness and helping Hoboken remain an inclusive community. The updated agreement reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting housing for low- income residents.

For more information about the Hoboken Community Center, or to support this important organization, please visit their website at: www.hobokencc.org