November 13, 2006 – In celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, HANDS, Inc. (Housing and Neighborhood Development Services) has passed a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to resuscitate the neighborhoods of Orange and East Orange, New Jersey, winning praise for its redevelopment projects both in the state and nationwide.
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| Shown left to right: HANDS, Inc. Board of Directors Chair, Anita Rainford, an East Orange resident; United States Senator Frank Lautenberg; HANDS, Inc. Executive Director, Patrick Morrissy; and NeighborWorks America Director of National Initiatives and Applied Research, Nelson Merced, in the Senator's Newark office on October 11, 2006. |
In honor of its achievements, New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg recently awarded HANDS, Inc. Executive Director Patrick Morrissy a citation, which recognized the organization’s 20th anniversary as a neighborhood revitalization organization.
The citation acknowledged the nonprofit’s years of critical work in redeveloping abandoned urban properties, and expanding homeownership programs for low and moderate-income residents.
With significant support secured by New Jersey Senator Lautenberg, HANDS, Inc. envisions renovating the Berg hat factory into a commercial arts center. The factory, once the hat-making capital of the world, is a historically significant factory complex in Orange that has been vacant for decades. The site will be redeveloped to create an artisan-based business incubator and community arts complex.
HANDS, Inc. 20th Anniversary Milestones:
1986 — HANDS, Inc. is founded by a group of clergy and community leaders; HANDS Orangefest ’86 draws 4000 people to the Valley
1987 — Homeless construction trainees rehabilitate HANDS’ first home
1988 — Construction of Elm Street Townhomes in Orange
1989 — MLK American Dream Award bestowed on HANDS
1993 — HANDS panel factory prefabricates McChesney Townhomes
1994 — McChesney Townhomes in Orange completed and occupied
1996 — First Problem Properties acquired and rehabilitated
1997 — Travisano Homes in Orange completed and occupied
1997-'98 — Landmark Homes in East Orange built and occupied
1999 — First Annual Community Leadership Awards banquet; Community Problem Property Task Force founded; Landmark Crossing homes in East Orange built and occupied; HANDS chartered as NeighborWorks America affiliate
2000 — Citation Homes in East Orange built and occupied; 50th home completed
2001 — Orange Model City-2010 vision is developed; First Chapter of HANDS Homebuyers Club meets
2001-2004
— East Ward Operation Neighborhood, Orange – 11 problem properties redeveloped
2002 — Citation Homes in East Orange is completed and occupied; Work begins on Valley Revitalization Initiative Plan involving hundreds;
Cornerstone Award from National Association of Homebuilders;
First Annual NeighborWorks festival in the Valley
2002 - 2005
— Orange Revitalization Partnership -15 problem properties redeveloped
2003
— LISC Neighborhood Impact Award; Princeton Street, East Orange redevelopment completed
2004
— Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act signed by the Governor;
Valley Revitalization Initiative Plan approved by the State;
Governor’s Excellence in Housing Award for Neighborhood Revitalization
2005 — First of three Brass Company arts buildings completed and occupied;
Bigg Event launches ValleyArts community organization;
Chronicle Building in Orange completed and occupied;
Berg Hat Factory is first Orange property to receive environmental OK from EPA
2006 — HANDS partnership designated Redeveloper for Jefferson Art Walk; Construction begun on 100th home
Awards
- Cornerstone 2002 Award from the National Association of Homebuilders
- 2003 Neighborhood Impact Award from LISC-New Jersey
- 2004 Governor’s Excellence in Housing Award for Community Revitalization
- 2005 Smart Growth Award from New Jersey Future
- 2006 Achievement in Planning Award from New Jersey Planning Officials
- Citation from U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg
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