“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this
—you haven’t.”
THOMAS EDISON
Housing
Supporting Nonprofits in Affordable Housing Development
According to the Pew Research Center, almost one-third of households in the United States spend more than 30 percent of their household income on housing costs. Nonprofits throughout the country have acted creatively and resourcefully to help reduce this burden and develop affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income families.
One nonprofit that we worked with in 2024 is Equitable Solutions for Housing in New Jersey (ESHIN). ESHIN’s mission is to develop healthy, secure, high-quality affordable housing for residents qualifying for affordable housing in Essex, Union, and Morris counties of New Jersey using a combination of government funding, community capital, grants, and private donations. Firm volunteers played a key role in establishing ESHIN, assisting with its formation and helping the organization secure tax-exempt status. With these foundational steps complete, ESHIN can begin its work creating housing for families in need. The organization has already formed an agreement with a borough in New Jersey to develop, populate, and manage properties for low-income families.
We also worked with Brick by Brick Training & Development Corporation, a New Jersey-based nonprofit committed to stabilizing low- and moderate-income neighborhoods by transforming vacant and abandoned properties nationwide into affordable housing units. For nearly five years, our firm has provided essential legal support, helping Brick by Brick establish a strong foundation. Firm volunteers have reviewed and refined the organization’s governance documents and actively collaborate with its board to ensure and enhance operational sustainability.
Beyond governance, we have advised Brick by Brick on a number of complex transactions to create the legal framework to finance the acquisition of almost 800 properties for development into affordable housing. Our commitment to Brick by Brick continues as we assist with the acquisition of additional properties, including those damaged by Superstorm Sandy in New York. Through our ongoing partnership, we are helping Brick by Brick expand its impact, revitalize communities, and increase access to safe, affordable housing across the country.
Photo courtesy of ESHIN