The fight is on to prevent $2 million in federal cuts that local leaders say would cripple housing programs
for the elderly, disabled and low- to middle-income workers.
County and state tax hikes may be needed to replace lost federal money, said Monroe County Commissioner
Bob Nothstein.
"It's going to hit us in the pocketbook," Nothstein said.
He and agency directors held a press conference Monday. They asked residents to contact lawmakers and oppose
cuts in President Bush's proposed 2006 budget.
"The county commissioners are opposed to the drastic nature of these cuts," said Nothstein. "We need these
programs to stay intact."
The county risks losing all of its Community Development Block Grants under a total overhaul of the program,
said Ray Geurnsey, Monroe County Redevelopment Authority director.
About $2.1 million in block grants have been used in the past four years to help more than 83 senior citizens
repair their homes and to help build senior housing in Monroe County.
The money is critical for the elderly as they struggle with rising property taxes, said Geurnsey.
"They will pay their taxes but let the roof leak or the furnace not run properly," said Geurnsey.
The grants have even paid to fix crumbling sidewalks and curbs in Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, and
buy equipment for small manufacturers like Iridium Industries in East Stroudsburg.
The county's housing authority might have to cut 150 families from its rent subsidy program because of federal
cuts.
The authority is bracing to use budget reserves to get through the fiscal year. It has more than 700 families
and individuals on a waiting list for the rent subsidy program known as Section 8.
"(The cuts) could be devastating to our programs and families," said Rich Widdoss, housing authority director.
President Bush's budget features a 4.8 increase in defense spending and 8 percent more money for homeland
security. Supporters say it refocuses priorities and cuts waste. The President has proposed more than $350 million in housing
cuts, along with substantial cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and children's
programs.
"They're throwing (the human service needs) back to the state and local governments to address," said Widdoss.
Guernsey added, "We're just not capable on a local level; we don't have those kinds of funds."
Local clergy are already seeing an increase in families seeking help, said Rev. Carol Brown of Stroudsburg's
First Presbyterian Church.
The church gave $5,400 to 25 individuals and families last year. This year, six individuals and families
have already sought aid and been given $1,200 toward housing.
"We're way beyond last year," said Brown. "It's going to be even more of a concern. We'll be inundated with
people just trying to keep a roof over their heads."
The problem will trickle down to businesses that depend on low-wage workers who can't afford housing in
Monroe County's hot real estate and rental market.
"It's a drain on the community because we have so many service-related jobs," said Jane Koelble, executive
director of Community Housing Solutions.
Health and human service leaders will meet Thursday to discuss the possible impact of federal cuts.
