ATLANTIC CITY — The city is getting some help addressing homelessness — a tough problem that has persisted for decades in spite of the efforts of dozens of nonprofits and government agencies.
The state Department of Community Affairs’ Office of Homelessness Prevention has hired city resident Debra Evora White, who has a background in community building and promoting homeownership, to be a special adviser to the city on the issue.
“All roads led to working on homelessness in one shape or form,” White said of her background. Her previous job was director of business services for the Chelsea Economic Development Corp.
“Even at Chelsea ... one of the main problems businesses would have was with homelessness ... people loitering and panhandling outside (their doors) prevented them from having a thriving business,” White said.
People are also reading…
Elizabeth Terenik, president of Chelsea EDC, said White is smart, committed and a great leader.
“We are confident she is going to help resolve issues around homelessness,” Terenik said Wednesday.
Early this year, a string of fires damaged the Boardwalk just as a $26 million repair and rebuilding effort was getting started. One fire was started by an illegal campfire that killed a homeless man, and resort leaders vowed to find ways to prevent more homeless encampments from popping up.
In the short term, White hopes to decrease the number of people living on the street and to help coordinate services offered by the city and nonprofits to avoid duplication and waste of resources, she said.
White started Sept. 9, and her first focus has been helping the city’s homelessness efforts become more targeted.
“Debra is pretty much working with them to get a system in place,” said Michael Callahan, director of the state Office of Homelessness Prevention. His department has placed a similar adviser in Newark and other Essex County municipalities, he said.
Municipalities often take a shotgun approach to trying to reduce homelessness, Callahan said.
“Debra is working to ensure not only standards of practice, but that it’s fiscally sustainable,” he said. “Resources can be optimized and deployed to include federal dollars in a more targeted manner. ... As she systematizes and professionalizes those services, she will work with downstream housing and other providers.”
The goal is to streamline services.
“I’m looking at all providers in Atlantic City that provide services and ways in which we can enhance and improve so there is a seamless avenue to seek housing,” White said.
Prior to the Chelsea EDC, White worked at the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America in Philadelphia for about 10 years, she said.
“My whole purpose was to establish housing and homeownership for low- to moderate-income neighborhoods,” White said. “We believe homeownership stabilizes communities and help build wealth.”
White was hired at a salary of $110,000, a state spokesperson said. She has a master’s degree in business administration from Rosemont College and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from LaSalle University.
“I grew up in Philadelphia. My parents moved 20 years ago to Atlantic City, so I considered myself a frequent visitor,” White said. “I moved two years ago to Atlantic City to be with my parents, and I’m not leaving.”
Atlantic City has an inventory of affordable homes, she said, that are still in reach of low- and moderate-income people.
“A lot of resources are coming into Atlantic City to help with grants,” she said of first-time homeowner grants and other assistance available through neighborhood groups like the Chelsea EDC.
“When you combine resources together, it’s amazing what one could afford,” White said. “The rents they are paying are equal to or more than the cost of them having a mortgage.”
She is aware of the need for a drop-in center where homeless can go during the day, rather than having to loiter on the streets.
“It is something I have definitely heard, which is why we have to look at the services out there,” White said. “I have been looking into places homeless can go sleep overnight. Some are inadequate or people don’t want to go there. People may prefer to sleep on the street than shelters.”
White will work with partners including the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, AtlantiCare and others, Callahan said, and “the day center conversation is definitely top of mind.”
Widowed three years ago, White lost her only child to kidney disease about 10 years ago, when her daughter was 19.
She remains a strong supporter of Gift of Life organ donations, she said, and promotes it to celebrate the legacy of daughter Melika Rose Roberts, who was born with kidney failure.
“I believe the most important piece to this is that I live here,” White said, “and I want where I live and work to be beautiful, safe and clean. It’s part of the inspiration and passion I have.”
