Family Promise of the Jersey Shore partners with Walters Apartments Group to offer support to residents.
STAFFORD, NJ – Walters Apartments Group, a leader in affordable real estate development and Family Promise of the Jersey Shore (FPJS) continue to strengthen their partnership to prevent homelessness in Ocean County.
In 2020, FPJS first approached Walters Apartments Group to partner with the Anchors to Stay Prevention Program. The Anchor to Stay program allows eligible families to receive financial aid on rent, mortgage, or security deposit payments. Families also have access to a curriculum focused on stability and further prevention of homelessness.
“By partnering with companies like Walters Apartments Group, we are able to significantly increase our impact to help prevent even more families and children from experiencing the trauma of homelessness,” said Elizabeth Golla, Executive Director at Family Promise of the Jersey Shore. “Working alongside Walters Apartments Social Services team to offer the Anchors to Stay program as a prevention tool in the form of back rent and support, is lifechanging for eligible residents,” continued Golla.
Walters Apartment Group develops and manages affordable and market-rate apartment communities with a commitment to service, quality and value. Fostering a sense of community is reflected by The Walters Group’s dedication to philanthropy - a commitment that is emulated by residents at communities throughout the company’s portfolio. “With over 12 affordable family communities in New Jersey, Walters Apartments Group is an advocate and ally in the prevention of homelessness,” said Golla.
The partnership between FPJS and Walters Apartments has continued to grow over the last three years. “At Christmas, FPJS sponsors families within our communities, they have also provided us with Easter baskets. FPJS has been beyond generous with Holiday Food Baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” noted Jennifer Pampalone, BSW, Social Services Coordinator at Walters Apartments Group. “The supplement to our onsite food pantries continues throughout the year when they have extra food. When FPJS calls to offer food, I clear my schedule because what they offer is beyond generous.”
“Family Promise’s main goal is to ensure the people we serve do not fall into the cycle of housing instability that can devastate families and alter the course of children’s lives. With partners like Walters Apartments Group, FPJS can address prevention and education within the communities and offer the necessary support to help the Jersey Shore community thrive,” said Golla.
“Eviction is always our last resort. Knowing that FPJS is working to prevent evictions and to hold families accountable is a commendable thing. They don't just offer money to families and wish them well. They offer a variety of services to get to the root issue and work alongside families to overcome the issue, for example, financial literacy, resume writing, education and job preparedness. They work to improve the quality of life, not just today, but for the future,” said Pampalone.
Family Promise of the Jersey Shore works every day to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence. On April 20th, FPJS will participate in Family Promise Giving Day, a 24-hour national campaign to combat homelessness. “We’re asking friends to “Give an Hour” whether that’s an hour of time volunteering, an hour’s worth of salary as a donation, or an hour spent raising awareness about the crisis of family homelessness,” said Golla. One hour can create change that lasts a lifetime.
About Walters
Walters is a diversified residential and commercial developer committed to the highest construction standards and environmentally responsible building practices. The privately held company builds income-restricted and market-rate housing, premium custom homes, retail centers and office buildings. Active throughout New Jersey, Walters is powered by a talented team of development, property management, construction, real estate brokerage and architectural professionals with the skills and expertise required to handle the most complex suburban developments from concept to completion. More information is available online at: waltersgroupapartments.com.
About Family Promise of the Jersey Shore
Family Promise of the Jersey Shore strives to help families experiencing homelessness and economic uncertainty to achieve sustainable independence through prevention programs, advocacy and community support services. To learn more, visit https://www.familypromisejerseyshore.org or call 609-994-3317.