West New York Housing Authority’s New Website Allows Accessibility For Residents

Photo courtesy of West New York Housing Authority.

The West New York Housing Authority (WNYHA) recently announced new changes to their website, including a “WNYHA in Numbers” section and links to resources like the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. 

These changes were made to help West New York’s community connect to Rent Control Board meetings, financial aid resources and WNYHA staff. 

“Welcome to the West New York Housing Authority’s brand-new Web site. The site will be updated periodically and we appreciate any input that you might have for improvements, both on the Web site and throughout the Authority,” WNYHA Chairman Gene Martorony  wrote in a section titled “A Message From the Chairman.” 

He intends to keep the site updated as frequently as possible. 

Transparency And Accessibility 

For transparency, the authority’s “About Us” section informs the community that they are working to increase affordable housing. They state that they own and operate 714 affordable units for families and the elderly via eight developments. More specific information on these developments can be found in the “Our Communities” section. 

The site also names the authority’s commissioners and contact information, including the Chairman’s extension. You can view when the Board of Commissioners meets in the “Agendas/Meetings” section and read meeting agendas if you are not able to attend. So far, the authority only provides agendas for Jan. 27 and Feb. 24. 

You can also view the authority’s finances in the “Financial” section. You can currently view the WNYHA’s budgets and audits from 2013 to 2023. 

The newest addition to the website, however, is the digitization of forms like affordable housing and Section 8 voucher applications. While not yet uploaded to the “Forms/Applications” section, the potential digital versions of them can make the application process more accessible to West New York residents. 

According to the U.S. Census, 94.6% of residents have access to a computer, and 86.6% have access to the internet. A sample form titled “Form 1” shows that residents will also be able to access forms in English and Spanish. 

How Do These Changes Impact West New York? 

While still in development, this provides West New York residents with previously unavailable information, marking a chapter of progressive change for the authority. 

As concerns with higher rent prices and gentrification rise amongst the community, this presents an opportunity for residents to empower themselves with information.

As of 2023, 21.4%, or about 10,861 residents, live in poverty. Additions to the site can help them feel supported by featuring resources like the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, food drives provided by the town of West New York and the North Hudson Community Action Corporation. 

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