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Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey
The Fair Housing Council
of Northern New Jersey
131 Main Street, Suite 140
Hackensack NJ 07601
201-489-3552
www.fairhousingnj.org
info@fairhousingnj.org
Our lawyers provide no-cost legal services for eligible residents of Hudson, Bergen, and Passaic Counties, in matters including:
April 1, 2026
Dear hipcil Members,
Please be advised that as of April 1, 2026, Heightened Independence & Progress will no longer be partnering with the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC).
This decision was not taken lightly. However, due to recent employee turnover, we no longer have the necessary capacity to continue our partnership. After careful consideration, we determined that discontinuing the program is the most responsible course of action to ensure the quality and integrity of our services.
We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to have collaborated with the Bergen Performing Arts Center and are especially grateful for the meaningful opportunities they helped provide to individuals with disabilities throughout Bergen County.
If you have any questions regarding this transition, please feel free to contact our office at 201-996-9100 or at mgonzalez@hipcil.org.
Sincerely,
Marily Gonzalez
President/CEO
Heightened Independence & Progress
988 is the new three-digit dialing code for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Starting July 16, 2022, you can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.
El 988 es el nuevo código de marcación de tres dígitos para la Línea de vida contra el suicidio y las crisis. A partir del 16 de julio, 2022, puedes llamar o enviar un mensaje de texto al 988 o chatear con 988lifeline.org si tú o alguien que conoces está pensando en el suicidio o experimentando una crisis de salud mental o de consumo de sustancias.
The first step in emergency preparedness for individuals who may need assistance in a disaster.
Stay tuned to local news, radio or television stations for timely disaster information.
Register today—
be ready for tomorrow!
Update your information at least annually.
Register Ready is a free, secure, voluntary database designed
to help emergency managers and first responderrs plan for and support people with disabilities and access and functional needs (DAFN) who may need assistance in the event of a disaster.
You (or someone on your behalf) are encouraged to register if you have a physical, developmental, cognitive or behavioral impairment, language barrier, or transportation challenge that may make it difficult for you to safely shelter in place or evacuate in a disaster.
Permanent and seasonal NJ residents with DAFN who may need help evacuating, sheltering in place or at a public shelter, or requiring emergency assistance should register. Individuals with a temporary disability, such as high-risk pregnancy or other serious medical condition, should register.
Register Ready complies with all laws to protect your privacy and personal data. The emergency management community, which includes public health officials and first responders, has access to Register Ready for planning and coordination.
Communities use Register Ready in a variety of ways. Emergency managers and trusted personnel may use the information to plan, send public messaging, assist with evacuation, and support sheltering and post-disaster recovery. After registering, contact your local Office of Emergency Management to learn how staff utilizes Register Ready and what you can do to enhance your own preparedness.
NJ’s 12 Centers for Independent Living are facing a $3 million loss in funding in the state’s budget proposed by the Governor. This funding loss, if approved, will have a devastating impact on the services and assistance that ACI and NJ’s other centers provide to people with disabilities and their families throughout the state.
If passed by the state legislature, the funding loss will take effect on July 1st. We must act quickly to prevent this from happening!
Email or call the leadership in the state legislature and let them know about the vital services NJ CIL’s provide. Urge them to restore the money in the state’s budget.
They want to hear from you!
To make it easy for you, here are some template letters to use:
Sample Letter from Person with a Disability
Sample Letter from Family Member
Sample Letter from Supporter
Make your letters personal.
If you’re emailing, please use
Protecting Funding for Centers for Independent Living
in the subject line.
Who to write to
Send out as many letters as you can!
Thanks you for showing your support!
Dear hipcil Friends,
The 12 New Jersey Centers for Independent Living (CILs), have lost their line-item funding from the state budget. This decision represents a devastating setback to the disability community. The centers provide essential, life-changing services that enable individuals with disabilities to live independently, confidently, and with dignity. Serving all 21 New Jersey counties, the CILs provided over 102,000 consumer services last year alone, demonstrating their far-reaching impact. For decades, CILs have been a cornerstone of support, offering programs and resources that improve quality of life, foster self-sufficiency, and nurture inclusivity.
While it is understandable that the state is facing financial pressures and preparing for potential federal funding cuts, it is profoundly disheartening and unacceptable that these budgetary constraints have come at the expense of some of our most vulnerable community members. Disabled individuals often encounter countless barriers in their day-to-day lives, and CILs have been a critical force in breaking down those barriers and championing their rights.
Moreover, eliminating funding for CILs is not a cost-effective decision for the state of New Jersey, especially in light of the potential federal funding cuts.
The services provided by CILs not only empower individuals with disabilities but also generate significant cost savings for the state. By enabling individuals to live independently and reducing their reliance on institutional care or other more expensive state-funded programs, CILs help alleviate financial burdens on the state budget. Cutting this funding will ultimately lead to higher long-term costs for New Jersey, making it a shortsighted decision.
The impact of this funding loss extends far beyond the centers themselves.
It directly affects disabled CIL employees, thousands of individuals and families who depend on these services for their independence and well-being. Many of these individuals face unique challenges that cannot be adequately addressed without the comprehensive support and advocacy that CILs provide. From accessible housing, assistive technology and employment assistance to education, case management and community integration, the services offered by CILs are irreplaceable.
Despite this setback, we remain hopeful and determined. Solutions must be found to restore this critical funding and ensure the survival of our centers. The centers are more than just service providers; they are lifelines, safe spaces, and sources of empowerment. They play a vital role in creating a more inclusive society where individuals can thrive.
We urge community members and consumer advocates to come together and fight for the reinstatement of this funding. Please contact your local NJ legislative offices and voice your concerns, “Restore State funding for the Centers for Independent Living”. The future of thousands depends on it. The work we do at the 12 New Jersey Centers for Independent Living is too important to abandon, and we are committed to the empowerment for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Sincerely,
Marily Gonzalez-Escobar
Estimados amigos,
Nos dirigimos a ustedes con profundo pesar, ya que los 12 Centros de Vida Independiente (CILs) de Nueva Jersey han perdido su financiamiento asignado en el presupuesto estatal. Esta decisión representa un retroceso devastador para la comunidad de personas con discapacidades, afectando no solo a los centros en sí, sino también a los miles de individuos que dependen de ellos para vivir con independencia, dignidad y una mejor calidad de vida.
Los CILs, que sirven los 21 condados de Nueva Jersey, brindaron más de 102,000 servicios a consumidores solo el año pasado, demostrando el impacto profundo de nuestro trabajo. Durante décadas, hemos sido un pilar de apoyo para las personas con discapacidades, ofreciendo programas y recursos que fomentan la autosuficiencia, la inclusión y el empoderamiento. Los servicios que ofrecen los CILs van desde vivienda accesible y tecnología asistiva hasta asistencia laboral, educación, manejo de casos e integración comunitaria, todos servicios que son indispensables para muchos en nuestra comunidad.
Si bien comprendemos los desafíos financieros que enfrenta el estado y la posibilidad de recortes en los fondos federales, es profundamente doloroso e inaceptable que estas restricciones presupuestarias vengan a expensas de algunos de nuestros ciudadanos más vulnerables. Las personas con discapacidades ya enfrentan numerosas barreras para la independencia, y los CILs han sido una fuerza fundamental para derribar esos obstáculos, abogar por sus derechos y ayudarlos a vivir con confianza en la sociedad.
Además, eliminar el financiamiento para los CILs no es una decisión costo-efectiva para Nueva Jersey. Al permitir que las personas vivan de manera independiente y reducir su dependencia del cuidado institucional o de otros programas estatales más costosos, los CILs generan ahorros significativos para el estado. Recortar este financiamiento llevará a costos a largo plazo mucho mayores, lo que hace que esta decisión sea corta de miras y perjudicial.
Las consecuencias de esta pérdida de financiamiento van más allá de los centros en sí. Afecta directamente a los empleados discapacitados de los CILs, así como a los miles de individuos y familias que dependen de nuestros servicios para su independencia y bienestar. Son personas que enfrentan desafíos únicos que no pueden ser adecuadamente atendidos sin el apoyo integral, la defensa y los recursos que los CILs brindan.
A pesar de este revés, seguimos siendo optimistas y decididos. Debemos encontrar soluciones para restaurar este financiamiento crucial y asegurar que nuestros centros puedan continuar con el trabajo vital que realizamos. Los CILs no solo son proveedores de servicios; son salvavidas, espacios seguros y fuentes de empoderamiento. Ayudamos a crear una sociedad más inclusiva donde todas las personas tengan la oportunidad de prosperar.
Les pedimos que se unan a nosotros en la defensa para reinstaurar este financiamiento. Comuníquese con las oficinas legislativas locales de NJ y exprese su preocupación: “Restaurar el financiamiento estatal para los Centros de Vida Independiente.” El futuro de miles de personas y sus familias depende de ello. El trabajo que realizamos es demasiado importante para abandonarlo, y estamos comprometidos con nuestra misión de empoderar a las personas con discapacidades.
Gracias por su apoyo.
Atentamente,
SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
Paul A. Sarlo (D),
36th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic), Chair,
Email: sensarlo@njleg.org,
Tel: 201-804-8118
Linda R. Greenstein (D),
14th District (Parts of Mercer and Middlesex), Vice-Chair,
Email: sengreenstein@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-395-9911
Carmen F. Amato, Jr (R),
9th District (Part of Ocean),
Email: senamato@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-693-6700
Renee C. Burgess (D),
28th District (Parts of Essex and Union),
Email: senburgess@njleg.org,
Tel: 862-231-6577
John J. Burzichelli (D),
3rd District (All of Salem and parts of Cumberland and Gloucester),
Email: asmburzichelli@njleg.org,
Tel: 856-226-3530
Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez (D),
5th District (Parts of Camden and Gloucester),
Email: sencruzperez@njleg.org,
Tel: 856-541-1251
Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr (D),
18th District (Part of Middlesex),
Email: sendiegnan@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-757-1677
Gordon M. Johnson (D),
37th District (Part of Bergen),
Email: sengordon@njleg.org,
Tel: 201-308-7060
Declan J. O’Scanlon, Jr (R),
13th District (Part of Monmouth),
Email: senoscanlon@njleg.org,
Tel: 732-444-1838
M. Teresa Ruiz (D),
29th District (Parts of Essex and Hudson),
Email: senruiz@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-484-1000
Douglas J. Steinhardt (R),
23rd District (Parts of Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren),
Email: sensteinhardt@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-835-0552
Michael L. Testa Jr (R),
1st District (All of Cape May and parts of Atlantic and Cumberland),
Email: sentesta@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-778-2012
Andrew Zwicker (D),
16th District (Parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset),
Email: senzwicker@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-308-8672
GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUDGET COMMITTEE
Eliana Pintor Marin (D),
29th District (Part of Essex), Chair,
Email: aswpintormarin@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-589-0713
Benjie E. Wimberly (D),
35th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic), Vice-Chair,
Email: asmwimberly@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-925-7061
Al Barlas (R),
40th District (Parts of Bergen, Essex and Passaic),
Email: asmbarlas@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-237-1362
Herb Conaway, Jr (D),
7th District (Part of Burlington),
Email: asmconaway@njleg.org,
Tel: 856-461-3997
Aura K. Dunn (R),
25th District (Parts of Morris and Passaic),
Email: aswdunn@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-206-1876
Roy Freiman (D),
16th District (Parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset),
Email: asmfreiman@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-829-4191
Nancy F. Munoz (R),
21st District (Parts of Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union),
Email: aswmunoz@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-918-0414
Carol A. Murphy (D),
7th District (Part of Burlington),
Email: aswmurphy@njleg.org,
Tel: 856-242-2018
Ellen J. Park (D),
37th District (Part of Bergen),
Email: aswpark@njleg.org,
Tel: 201-308-7062
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D),
15th District (Parts of Hunterdon and Mercer),
Email: aswreynoldsjackson@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-571-9638
Gabriel Rodriguez (D),
33rd District (Part of Hudson),
Email: asmrodriguez@njleg.org,
Tel: 201-223-4247
Brian E. Rumpf (R),
9th District (Part of Ocean),
Email: asmrumpf@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-693-6700
Gary S. Schaer (D),
36th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic),
Email: asmschaer@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-249-3665
Gerry Scharfenberger (R),
13th District (Part of Monmouth),
Email: asmscharfenberger@njleg.org,
Tel: 732-856-9294
Michael Venezia (D),
34th District (Part of Essex),
Email: asmvenezia@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-450-0484
