Affordable housing lotteries and applications in New Jersey

My name is Carol and I am writing to express how much Auntie Dee has helped me with my life transition. I was in the middle of a horrible divorce, I had just left a cult and I needed a place to begin my life again. Auntie Dee was helpful in so many ways. She facilitated the moving process to my current home and helped me so much. I am now on the pathway to independence with her help.

My mother and I first met Auntie Dee Gloria in November of 2020. She met us at the door at a 55 and over community to look at apartments for my mom who was 88 at the time. What struck me about Auntie Dee was everything lol! When I told her my mom didn’t hear very good, she spoke loud enough for my mom to hear her and kept her the main focus (people tend to deal with me rather than my mom once they learn she doesn’t hear well—she no longer becomes their focus). We quickly realized we were in the right place and most definitely in the right hands. Auntie Dee is extremely knowledgeable, professional, patient, and accommodating (she literally moved out of the apartment she was staying in at the 55+ community because that’s the one my mom liked the best!). She will treat you like you are the most important person (she actually walked backwards to talk with us while showing apartments to ensure my mom could hear her and that she was walking at my mother’s pace). You’ll not only get ALL her extensive knowledge; you’ll also get someone with a heart of gold who will take care of you like you are family. Working with Auntie Dee was an absolute honor and pleasure that I would wish for anyone. Life’s been crazy! Let me know if you want me to change anything. I’d be happy to! Big hugs! Miss you!!

In September of 2022, I was facing an unimaginable situation. As a mother to a beautiful 8 year old daughter, becoming a single mother, and very close to becoming homeless. I had turned to my daughter school’s guidance counselor who has always been compassionate and dear. She than connected to me to Auntie D. The first time I spoke to Auntie D. was a wave of relief, knowing that she was very experienced in her profession, understanding to my situation, and an answer to my prayers. As busy of a woman that she is, she always answered my phone calls or were returned within the hour, which was crucial being my time limits. When calling her desperate as an eviction was set within 2 day’s time, she advised me to call the court and file a motion to extend my time in the home. She instructed me as to what the appearance would look like, what to say, and possible outcomes. I than received a court appearance front of the judge the following day, which granted me an extra 2 months time in the home. That gave me enough time to look for housing options. If it were not for Auntie D. I would be jobless (as I work form home) and homeless. I am forever grateful and hope that anyone else is in some similar situation that could have an Auntie D. like mine.

Auntie Dee Gloria provided me assistance on an early Sunday morning January 8th, even though she was not at work. Auntie Dee was willing to talk to me for 40 minutes until all of my questions had been answered. She provided me with the knowledge that gave me the power and courage to stand up for myself in a situation in which I felt extremely stuck. Being a young female looking to sign her first solo lease, I was intimidated and lacked knowledge. After the free consultation provided by Auntie Dee, I felt empowered and back in rightful control of the situation. She assisted me in writing an email, telling me and explaining to me everything I needed to be successful in my situation. If it was not for Auntie Dee Gloria guiding me through this hard time, I would have ended up in a bad situation.

"As a school counselor I assist many families that are experiencing difficult times from mental health resources, food, clothing, housing to just name a few. I have reached out to Auntie D numerous times as she is an excellent resource in all aspects of assisting people who are less fortunate. Auntie D is compassionate, reassuring and quick to get answers which time is the utmost priority in many cases. I am grateful for her expertise and will continue my relationship as she is someone I turn to in times of need for my families."

"I am writing to provide a testimony of Auntie Dee Gloria’s services. I started working with Auntie Dee in December of 2020, during peak of COVID. I could no longer afford to pay rent and was looking to find affordable housing within Bergen County. I reached out to many different organizations and apartments around Bergen County, and had difficult contacting them. However, Auntie Dee was very responsive and caring from the beginning. She was very eager to help our family and to provide affordable housing for us. She was always very communicative and clear about the affordable housing application process. She gave us apartment tours with a smile and made us feel welcome in the community. Throughout the application process, she helped us with the necessary document, and kept us informed throughout the whole process. With her immense help, our family was able to secure a home, and we are very very happy and thankful. We consider her a part of our larger family. Every year, she helps us with renewals to help us continue to live here. THANK YOU SO MUCH, AUNTIE DEE!"