The Story

Now in its third year, the Gateway Neighborhood Collaborative (GNRC) continues to bring together residents, nonprofits, and public partners to strengthen housing, expand economic opportunities, and provide social supports in the City of Perth Amboy’s Gateway Neighborhood. With two years of measurable impact, families are buying their first homes, local residents are gaining new job skills, seniors are staying active, and small businesses are receiving targeted support. The 2026 plan builds directly on this foundation, and this award will fund the expansion of proven strategies and the introduction of new efforts to address emerging community needs.

The Gateway Neighborhood is a dynamic 48-block area along the Raritan River and the North Jersey Coast Line rail tracks in Perth Amboy, NJ. This vibrant community is home to 5,639 residents across 1,690 households. Characterized by its diversity, the neighborhood is primarily low-income, with a median household income of $36,293 and a poverty rate of 32.6%. The population is predominantly Hispanic (82.9%), and more than half of residents are foreign-born. English proficiency is limited among nearly half (48.5%) of the neighborhood’s residents. Over the past two decades, the homeownership rate in the Gateway Neighborhood has declined dramatically, falling by 42.8% over the past twenty years and by nearly 30% in the previous decade. With over 80% of households renting, rental affordability is a pressing concern, consuming more than half of monthly income for over a third of renters.

Housing

The Home Harmony program provides critical home repairs and rehabilitation for low-income families in the Gateway Neighborhood. Many homes are aging and require essential work to address safety, accessibility, and weatherization. Without assistance, these repairs are often out of reach for homeowners, leaving families vulnerable to unsafe conditions or displacement.

Through the “Brush with Kindness” model, GNRC will provide repairs to 7–10 homes during the 2026 grant application cycle. Typical projects include roof and siding repairs, accessibility ramps, weatherproofing, and replacement of unsafe flooring or fixtures. This work enables residents to remain safely in their homes, preserves the neighborhood’s housing stock, and stabilizes blocks that might otherwise decline.

Homeownership

This initiative supports renters who aspire to become first-time homeowners. By offering bilingual workshops, financial counseling, and down payment assistance, the program helps families overcome barriers to homeownership.

Many participants face challenges, including limited credit history or limited knowledge of the home-buying process.

Funds will support four first-time homebuyer workshops, an annual Housing Expo serving 300+ residents, and direct financial assistance for down payment and closing costs to at least eight households. All workshops are led by HUD-certified counselors and supported by bilingual outreach materials.

Workforce

This program promotes economic growth by giving residents the tools to find jobs and start small businesses. It includes English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, GED prep, workforce training, job fairs, micro-grants for small businesses, and scholarships for youth and adults.

Highlights of the 2026 program include two comprehensive job fairs that connect 200 residents with local employers, ESL classes for 50 adults, GED assistance for 30 residents, and $10,000 in micro-grants for neighborhood entrepreneurs. Scholarships will also support both high school students in the Success Bound Academy and adults continuing their education.

Community

Strong communities flourish when residents feel connected and supported. The Supportive Services pillar offers wellness, cultural, and social programs that build resilience in the Gateway Neighborhood. Initiatives include monthly community dinners (“Mesa del Barrio” or “Community Table”), quarterly arts and cultural events, youth development programs, senior wellness and digital literacy workshops, health screenings, and neighborhood cleanups. Partners such as the YMCA, Central Jersey Medical Center, and the City of Perth Amboy Office of Recreation ensure that programs meet local needs. Monthly dinners provide social connection and access to resources, including food security programs, housing assistance, and health services.

Get Involved

Join us at upcoming community dinners, job fairs, health screenings, and cultural celebrations in the Gateway Neighborhood.