 As a Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen has been a stalwart advocate for housing opportunity. His efforts have provided clear benefit to many housing constituencies, including the most vulnerable – the elderly, the disabled and the homeless. Congressman Frelinghuysen’s contributions to the community pre-date his service in Congress. As a Member of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders he was instrumental in the establishment of the Morris County Housing Authority. Additionally, as a member of the New Jersey State Assembly, he was the prime advocate for legislation that established group homes for citizens affected by mental retardation and developmental disabilities.
Congressman Frelinghuysen has a long record of service to people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. His work on the House Appropriations Committee to ensure the availability of decent, safe, and affordable housing for these constituents is one of the major keys to the effective implementation of the landmark Supreme Court Olmstead decision. Disability housing programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have expanded and become better focused on the housing needs of this constituency because of his significant efforts. Indeed, the program known as “Frelinghuysen Vouchers” for non-elderly disabled persons bears his name.
Congressman Frelinghuysen has recently promoted establishment of the Community Hope program for homeless veterans at the Veterans Administration’s Lyons, New Jersey campus. With Frelinghuysen’s strong support, Community Hope has developed supported housing and provided quality care to individuals in need. The program now supports nearly 100 beds with an emphasis on long-term solutions that enable veterans to maintain independence.
Frelinghuysen was a leading player in the approval of legislation in recent years to raise the limits on single-family mortgages insured by FHA, enabling low- to moderate-income families to purchase homes in cities where housing costs are high. This provision was eventually signed into law by the President.
The Congressman has long been an advocate of the Housing Partnership programs, frequently attending special events. In fact, it was he who first introduced the organization to the NeighborWorks network. Housing Partnership has been a chartered member of the network since 2000.
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