Housing and Urban Development Representative Addresses Orange Housing Authority Residents During Black History Celebration

Orange, NJ – February 21, 2018 – Cephas Ward, HUD’s revitalization specialist, gave a stirring speech to a packed room of residents at the headquarters of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange on Thomas Boulevard, February 21, as part of a month-long celebration of Black History.

Referring to Dr. Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech, Ward said, “When we talk about continuing the dream, everyone has a part in the dream. Don’t get sidetracked, stay vigilant. We have to encourage each other, not sometimes, but all the time.”

Continuing Ward said, “To continue the dream means to continue to inspire, continue to motivate, don’t get discouraged, and to realize the part you play in the process. Be vigilant. Be challenged. Pick yourself up and do something. Examine yourself to find out how you can contribute to the cause. Dreams become a nightmare when people don’t put forth that.”

Ward’s words received an enthusiastic response from the Housing Authority’s residents and staff.  Remarked Dr. Walter McNeil, HACO’s executive director, “It was good to have our HUD representative, Cephas Ward, giving words of wisdom to our residents about Black History. His inspirational words captured the intentions of our staff, our residents, and our commissioners.”

The event was the third this month. Among the audience was Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren, Esq. who told the audience of mostly senior citizens, “You are icons that gave to the community, so I had to make it my business to be here. It’s people like you we have to thank because you stayed here.”

HUD is an important source of information and assistance for public housing authority administrators and residents such as foreclosure avoidance, homeless resources, disaster relief assistance, homeownership education, and senior resources. For more information about HUD resources, visit https://www.hud.gov/states/new_jersey/working/ph.

About the Orange Housing Authority

The City of Orange Housing Authority works to transform the City of Orange by providing safe, livable and affordable housing that promotes the development of communities. At the Orange Housing Authority, participants are not statistics, they are neighbors. The HACO knows the community and tailors programs to better serve the participant’s needs. Whether it is a search for housing, assistance with foreclosure or neighborhood development, the Orange Housing Authority stands ready to offer its services to all residents.

 

###