Actor's Fund Launches New Nationwide Housing Works Program

Crain's New York is reporting that The Actor's Fund, a nationwide human resources organizations that supports entertainment professions, is preparing to launch the Actors Fund Housing Development Corp., a non-profit that intends to build low-income housing units throughout urban areas in the United States. The first project is a 160 unit building in Newark New Jersey, anticipated to be announced next month.  Sites for developments in New York City and Los Angeles are also being scouted, and will additionally include assisted living and nursing facilities. 

Says company chairman Scott Weiner: "Dancers, actors, and singers have median incomes that are well below $25,000, and only a small percentage of them work full time...[Launching the corporation] will extend our reach and effectiveness in a very vital area for our community-providing safe, affordable housing for those in need."

To read the full report on the project in Crains New York, click here.

The Actors Fund, which has a $26 million annual operating budget, has historically operated facilities. Founded in 1882, The Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis or transition. Today, The Actors Fund is the national nonprofit human service organization that provides for the welfare of all entertainment professionals. The Fund helps people in film, theater, television, music, opera, and dance. It assists performers and well as those who work behind the scenes. Its broad spectrum of programs include comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. The Fund also makes emergenCy Grants for essential needs. Administered from offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, The Actors Fund's mission is "to advance, foster and benefit the welfare of all professionals in the entertainment community who are in need of help, ensuring that these efforts are accomplished with compassion, confidentiality and preservation of dignity for the individuals concerned."