Fort Monmouth's Homeless Housing Obligations Outlined

The future of the former Fort Monmouth property's homeless housing has been outlined by the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA).

A multifaceted housing strategy is planned for the area and includes the reuse of two existing buildings, the construction of a new emergency shelter and 40 single family housing units.

These homeless housing obligations are required by the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) law.

A Homeless Accommodation Fund is being used to finance the homeless housing projects for the property which are considered Legally Binding Agreements (LBAs). The LBAs were submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2008.

The four LBA's are:

• $4.5 million to 180 Turning Lives Around, a Monmouth County-based non- profit organization that provides services such as housing, counseling and court assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

• Building 501, which was previously the home of an Army substance abuse program, will be used by Family Promise. Family Promise helps homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence.

• The newly-constructed emergency shelter will be run by Monmouth County.

• The Affordable Housing Alliance will use Building 270 as an assisted-living single room occupancy facility. It will also be in charge of the 40 single family housing units. Twenty of the units will be located in Eatontown and the other 20 will be in Tinton Falls.

The total cost of the homeless housing projects is expected to exceed $10 million, but none have been built or executed as of this month.