FREEMAN 2025 - Freeman Legacy Homes

Freeman Legacy Homes Program

The Freeman Legacy Housing plan is about keeping Jersey City homes in the hands of Jersey City residents. The Freeman $1 House Program is the first step . We're putting vacant homes back into the community, where they belong, and giving working families a chance to create generational wealth.

Eligibility:

Open to Jersey City residents, ideally those who have lived here for at least three years or are returning lifelong residents.
Geared toward households earning 30%–80% of the area median income.
Priority for first-time homebuyers, single parents, veterans, seniors, and city workers — people who have invested in this city but haven’t had the chance to own a piece of it.

Conditions to Protect the Program:

Must live in the home for 5–10 years.
Must commit to repairs or renovations within 12–24 months.
Cannot flip the property or rent it out for profit during that period.

This program is my way of giving back to the residents who never gave up on Jersey City — even when the city left them out of the development plan. Together, we can ensure that progress includes everyone, not just the highest bidder.

- Christina Freeman

Jersey City Mayoral Candidate

Freeman Legacy Housing – Accessible Homes Initiative

Vision

To make Jersey City a model for inclusive housing by ensuring residents with disabilities have equal access to safe, affordable, and fully accessible homes — creating independence, dignity, and long-term stability.

Program Goals

Increase Accessible Homeownership – Create pathways for residents with disabilities to own homes in Jersey City.
Preserve Independence – Provide retrofits and modifications to allow residents to live independently for as long as possible.
Prioritize Affordability – Prevent displacement of disabled residents by ensuring housing remains affordable and stable.

Core Components

1. Accessible Home Purchase Program

Target Group: Residents with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities (including veterans and seniors).
Offer:
- Priority access to The Freeman $1 House Program for qualifying applicants.
- Down payment and closing cost assistance up to $25,000.
- Reduced property taxes for first 5 years of ownership.

2. Accessible Housing Retrofit Fund

Purpose: Modify existing homes to meet ADA and universal design standards.
Fund Use:
- Wheelchair ramps & lifts
- Door widening and hall adjustments
- Bathroom accessibility (roll-in showers, grab bars, lower counters)
- Smart-home features for independent living
Funding Sources:
- City housing funds
- State & federal grants (HUD, CDBG, HOME)
- Partnerships with nonprofits and trade schools

3. Inclusive Affordable Housing Development

Require all new affordable housing developments supported by city funds to include at least 15% fully ADA-compliant units.
Mandate universal design principles in all publicly funded housing projects.

4. Permanent Affordability & Protection

Use Community Land Trust (CLT) or deed restrictions to keep units affordable long-term.
Provide legal assistance for disabled homeowners facing predatory contractors or lenders.

5. Community-Based Support Network

Partner with disability advocacy groups and service providers to:
- Assist with applications and paperwork
- Offer workshops on home maintenance and accessibility rights
- Create a Peer Housing Navigator Program (disabled residents helping others navigate the system)

Implementation Steps

Conduct a citywide accessibility audit of housing stock.
Acquire and adapt vacant city-owned properties for accessibility.
Pass ordinance for inclusionary zoning with accessibility quotas.
Launch public awareness campaign in multiple languages, including ASL interpretation.
Track and publicly report progress annually through a Freeman Legacy Housing Dashboard.

Freeman Legacy Housing – Building Futures Project

A Habitat for Humanity–Inspired Pathway from Homelessness to Homeownership

Vision

To transform the lives of Jersey City’s homeless residents by combining sweat equity, skilled training, and community support to create affordable, permanent homes — and pathways to stability.

Program Goals

End Cycles of Homelessness – Provide safe, affordable homes for chronically homeless individuals and families.
Empower Residents – Offer construction skills training and “sweat equity” opportunities during the building process.
Build Community – Foster pride, connection, and accountability through a cooperative homebuilding model.

Core Components

1. Property Acquisition & Land Use

Use city-owned vacant lots or abandoned homes from the Vacant Property Inventory.
Partner with the Hudson County Land Bank to acquire additional properties at no cost.
Dedicate at least 5–10 sites per year for homeless housing builds.

2. Sweat Equity Model

Selected participants contribute 300–500 hours of volunteer work:
- Working on their future home or other program builds
- Attending homeownership, financial literacy, and maintenance workshops
Family, friends, or community volunteers can contribute hours on their behalf if needed.

3. Funding & Partnerships

Funding Sources:
- City housing budget allocations
- Federal HUD programs (HOME, CDBG)
- Corporate sponsorships & philanthropic donors
- Volunteer labor reduces costs by up to 50%
Partners:
- Habitat for Humanity (technical assistance & volunteer coordination)
- Local trade schools & unions for training and labor
- Social service agencies for wraparound support

4. Wraparound Support Services

Residents receive:
- Case management (employment, health, education)
- Mental health & substance use support (through partner agencies)
- Job placement assistance after construction training
Goal: Transition from shelter to permanent homeownership in 18–24 months.

5. Permanent Affordability

Homes placed in a Community Land Trust (CLT) to keep them affordable long-term.
Owners can build equity but cannot resell for speculative profit.
Monthly payments (if any) are limited to no more than 30% of household income.

Implementation Steps

Identify lots & abandoned properties for the first 10 homes.
Secure City Council approval for property transfers & budget allocation.
Formalize partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, trade schools, and nonprofits.
Launch Build Days — citywide volunteer events to construct homes.
Move in the first families within 18–24 months.

Impact Goals

Year 1: Build & deliver 10 homes.
Year 3: Expand to 25+ homes per year.
5 Years: Provide permanent housing for 100+ formerly homeless households.

“We can't afford to continue in the negative. It's time for honest budgeting and transparent progressive leadership.” — Christina Freeman

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