Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA) continues its fight against poverty with two recently awarded grants totaling over $1.5 million to battle lead-paint poisoning and provide financial empowerment to income-eligible members of the community.
The first grant, awarded by New Jersey State Officials, in the amount of $1.3 million tackles childhood lead poisoning through certified in-home lead paint inspection, remediation and in the most severe cases, abatement and hotel stays for affected residents in Bergen County and the city of Paterson. The grant will allow GBCA to remediate 22 homes in Paterson and 52 in Bergen County over two years.
Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), awarded $250,000 to GBCA for their Community Action Financial Empowerment Hub program. CAFE Hub will provide participants with self-paced online financial literacy courses, access to banking services from 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union, such as checking and savings accounts and credit builder loans, as well as one on one support from their very own private banker.
GBCA is honored to be able to aid individuals and families who are most susceptible to the dangers of lead paint poisoning, and the pitfalls of financial illiteracy. Moreover, those who receive these services will also receive access to GBCA’s network of income-eligible programs such as early childhood education, English as a second language and high-school equivalency classes, citizenship assistance, utility payment assistance and more.