Ocean Parkway Community Development Corporation

Ever since she was a little girl, Joanie Regan always did her best to follow the rules. Whether it was standing in the right line, or driving within the speed limit, she did what she was told. Struggling to make ends meet, she got permission from her landlord to take in a roommate. Still trying to make sure everything was done correctly, she made sure to put Millie on the lease as well.
Between their two incomes from Social Security, they could just barely manage to pay their bills. When Millie, the older of the two women, turned 62, they applied together for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) or Rent Freeze program.
Now 8 years later, Millie’s health was failing. Of course Joanie was worried about her roommate’s deteriorating health, but another looming concern also crept in to her consciousness. If heaven forbid something should happen to Millie, there was no way Joanie could afford the rent, even at the frozen level. She was afraid she would be unable to pay the rent and be out on the street.
She didn’t know where to turn, and the worries ate at her daily. Then a friend told her about the Ocean Parkway Community Development Corporation (OPCDC), who had helped get the rent freeze program. Joanie replied that she was already on the program, but the friend suggested she contact Tom Bauer at the OPCDC office anyway. “He’s really goods and he knows his stuff. He might still be able to help”, she was told.
“When Ms. Regan came for her appointment, I could tell that she was very worried,” Tom recalled. He did his best to make her feel more relaxed as she explained her situation. She said she didn’t think he could help, since the rent was already frozen. “Actually, there is. Of course we can’t predict what will happen to your roommate, but in the event that moves out on a permanent basis, and your total income is reduced by at least 20%, the rent freeze program can make a redetermination of your rent subsidy.”
Since both their names were on the lease, and also included in the SCRIE applications, the benefits can be transferred from one to the other as long as they both qualify for the program. The remaining tenant can also request a redetermination of the rent subsidy. Based on Joanie and Millie’s situation and their current combined finances, the rent would be reduced to a very affordable amount, and the tax credit to the landlord increased, so he doesn’t lose out.
While we couldn’t help with the impending loss of her friend, we were at least able to give Joanie some peace of mind regarding her own future.

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