Sturdy Savings Bank recently donated to help Bridges, a youth intervention program run through The Great Commission Baptist Church, in its quest to provide affordable housing. Sturdy’s support will help Bridges renovate a single-family home previously use

COURT HOUSE — People who need, or who are concerned about the lack of affordable housing in Cape May County are being asked by Daniel Auld to gather at The Branches at Rio Grande (formerly Miracles Fitness) in the rear plaza of The Village Shoppes of Rio Grande, at 5 p.m. to begin to mobilize a campaign to get government officials to listen.

"It is time for the elected officials and government in Cape May County to know that this county is not excluded from assisting people from obtaining affordable housing," said Auld in an interview at the Herald's offices.

Some arms of government, he said, feel there is no pressing need for affordable housing in this county, and thus no action is taken.

"Do they consider a 40-year-old man sleeping in his parent's house on their sofa as not needing affordable housing?" Auld asked.

"Someone who has been displaced needs an affordable, clean place to live, and not in motel rooms," he said.

"There may be nine people living in a three bedroom house, with boys sleeping with girls or maybe children sleeping on the floor, but because they can close the door and stay out of sight, the powers that be sit quietly and say nothing can be done," Auld said.

Auld works with the Great Commission Baptist Church, Swainton on its "Bridges" program to help those in need of counseling and housing.

Auld hopes enough people who need affordable housing will hear his cry and realize there is strength in numbers.

He realized the task is onerous.

"Getting the resources to meet the need is very difficult," he admitted.

He is asking volunteers to gather at The Branches who will reach out and canvass those in need of affordable housing.

"We want to get a census that shows the need here in Cape May County," said Auld.

"There are working class people who may be earning $25,000 who cannot afford a two-bedroom house," he added.

"We know there is a need, and we're asking for the people to help. When we present this to the powers that be, they will see the need and, hopefully, address the need for affordable housing in Cape May County," he said.

He envisions carrying the message not only to the municipal level, but also to the county level, to freeholder meetings, "to make our voices heard in the community, and not be swept away," he said.

Auld, an ex-gang member who served time in prison, understands that the root of many crimes stem from where individuals live.

"We must look at where and how the people are living," Auld said.

While he is attempting to counsel and mentor children not to follow in his former lifestyle, he sees where and how many of those young people are living, and understands the connection between affordable housing and bettering one's life.

Too often, he said, many form an opinion that "affordable housing" translates into drug dealers and addicts. Not so, he added, the middle class people, who pay taxes, raise families, send their children to local schools participate in youth groups and bring up the next generation, need affordable housing.

"They need to understand we are talking about places where young teachers and police officers, new doctors and young professionals start out, as well as the people who clean our offices and pump our gas," he said.

"There seems to be this idea that it's okay for people to come in and work, fixing our cars, fixing and serving our food in a restaurant, cutting our lawns, but get back on the bus and leave when you're done. That's not right, and it's got to change if this county is to be a vibrant county going into the future," Auld said.

"We're asking the working class people to stand up and say, 'I need affordable housing and I do not have to move out of Cape May County to find it. That's what Bridges is about," said Auld.

The Bridges program recently received a $1,000 donation from Sturdy Savings Bank to assist in the renovation of a house that will serve as a transitional home for a family in need as they work toward something better and affordable.

Those who wish to contact Auld can do so by calling 463-0108.

Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com