DCA To Host Rental Fair in Atlantic City for Sandy Victims

Finding safe, affordable housing remains and elusive quest for many Sandy victims, so the state is stepping in. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is hosting a second Rental Fair this Friday at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

DCA Acting Housing and Community Resources Director Gregory Vida says statistics show that Monmouth, Ocean and Atlantic counties still have the highest number of Sandy displaced residents. "We are trying to do what we can working in cooperation with FEMA, the American Red Cross, the Department of Human Services and some of the other social serve agencies to put everybody back into appropriate housing."

Officials say during the event, attendees will have an opportunity to meet with prospective landlords and real estate agents on-site to discuss available housing, review listings and discuss permanent housing options. They'll even be able to get information about federal, state and charitable funding programs.

The fair runs from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Registration is recommended for the rental housing fair but is not required. To register, call (609) 633-6606.

He says for those who can't attend, can also use the free online Housing Resource Center at www.NJHRC.gov for people in search of affordable housing and for landlords who are looking to provide housing.

Vida says many people who attended the first fair in Ocean County were able to find housing.