Paula Alford Reelected as Chairwoman of Paterson Housing Authority

PATERSON, NJ - Paula Alford has been reelected as the Chairwoman of the Paterson Housing Authority (PHA). Following a challenging period in 2023, Alford expresses determination to lead the board into its next chapter.

The Paterson Housing Authority is responsible for providing affordable housing and related services to low-income residents in Paterson, supporting over 4,000 families, promoting stability and community growth.

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During the previous term, Alford, who was initially appointed to the Board by Councilwoman-at-Large Dr. Lilisa Mimms, navigated controversies surrounding the executive director search, culminating in the reengagement of a search firm to identify the next leader of the organization. The primary focus now is on finding a qualified individual who can effectively lead the board forward.

Reflecting on accomplishments, Alford highlighted the initiation of the Section 8 Home Ownership Program in 2023. This program is aimed at helping individuals and families achieve homeownership by providing financial assistance to low-income households, enabling them to purchase a home in the private market.

"I'm proud of the fact that we have candidates from our public housing tenants who have fulfilled requirements and are partnering with NACA to realize homeownership opportunities," Alford told TAPinto Paterson. "Now, we're looking to expand this program and develop parcels of land for public housing ownership."

Addressing current challenges, Alford emphasized the transition to a new phase with a fresh executive director and new staff positions. While exciting, this transition poses the challenge of aligning everyone's vision for quality public housing, Alford said.

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Looking ahead, Alford plans to focus on fostering collaboration among commissioners and leveraging partnerships outside the Housing Authority to achieve objectives effectively. Furthermore, Alford underscored the importance of community engagement, noting that accessibility to residents provides valuable insights into the performance of public housing.

"Engaging with residents and giving them access is crucial for understanding their needs," Alford said. "Being accessible to the community has given me insight into our operations and allowed me to address concerns effectively. As commissioners, we must prioritize this interaction to advocate effectively."

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