5 Shocking Ways Bergen County United Way Is Dominating The Affordable Housing Crisis In 2025
As of December 2025, Bergen County's United Way (BCUW) has solidified its position as a powerhouse non-profit organization, dramatically refocusing its mission to tackle the most critical issue facing its community: the severe lack of Affordable Homes and the escalating Housing Crisis in New Jersey. This strategic shift, led by long-time executive Tom Toronto, has transformed the organization from a traditional fundraising body into a leading developer and provider of safe, stable, and affordable housing for the region's most vulnerable populations. This deep dive reveals the key programs and financial muscle BCUW is deploying right now to change thousands of lives.
The commitment of Bergen County's United Way extends far beyond simple charitable giving; it is a comprehensive community development strategy. Their work, often in partnership with the Madeline Corporation, is currently concentrated on building new communities specifically designed for working families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they have a place to call home amidst New Jersey’s high cost of living. The organization’s fiscal integrity and ethical leadership, recognized by their March 2024 tax filings and continuous transparency, underscore the trust placed in them by donors and community members alike.
Leadership Profile: Tom Toronto, President & CEO
The strategic direction and success of Bergen County's United Way are intrinsically linked to the vision of its President and CEO, Tom Toronto. His tenure has been marked by a significant and effective refocusing of the organization's mission, making affordable housing their primary pillar.
- Name: Thomas "Tom" Toronto
- Current Role: President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bergen County's United Way.
- Experience: Tom Toronto possesses an impressive 41 years of experience working for local United Way chapters across New Jersey.
- Prior Experience: His work history includes leadership roles in United Way organizations in Burlington County and Hudson County, in addition to his long service in Bergen County.
- Compensation: According to a March 2024 tax filing, his reported compensation was $190,480, with an additional $38,464 in other compensation.
- Impact: He is widely credited for transforming the organization into a powerful force in community development and a key player in addressing the New Jersey Housing Crisis.
- Key Staff: Other notable staff include Carol Lowden, the Controller, and the Board is chaired by Peter J. Ingrasci, Senior Vice President of Sales at Micro Strategies, Inc., alongside members like Pastor Greg Dunlap and Elinor J.
The 5 Pillars of BCUW's 2025 Affordable Housing Domination
Bergen County's United Way is not just funding housing; it is actively developing and managing projects that create permanent, supportive communities. Their 2025 strategy is built on five interconnected pillars that address the full spectrum of housing insecurity.
1. Direct Affordable Housing Development with Madeline Corporation
The core of the BCUW's work is its direct partnership with the Madeline Corporation, a non-profit entity. Together, they function as a powerful development team, actively building and managing new residential communities. This hands-on approach ensures quality and mission alignment. Current and ongoing projects are designed to meet the unique needs of several key populations:
- Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Developing independent living apartments and supportive communities for adults with autism and other neurodiversities.
- Seniors: Creating affordable living spaces for older adults on fixed incomes.
- Veterans: Providing dedicated housing for those who have served the country.
- Working Families: Building homes to ensure that essential workers and low-to-moderate-income families can afford to live where they work.
These projects often involve complex financing, drawing on resources from the Borough of Mahwah Municipal Housing Trust Fund, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, and the HUD/Bergen County HOME program.
2. Critical Financial Assistance Through the Compassion Fund
For those facing immediate crisis, BCUW operates a vital safety net known as the Compassion Fund. This fund is crucial for preventing homelessness and stabilizing families before they lose their housing. Key services provided through this program include:
- Payment of Security Deposits for new housing.
- Emergency assistance for Rent and utilities.
- Support through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
This initiative works in tandem with the broader social services network, demonstrating the organization's holistic view of community support.
3. Foreclosure and Mortgage Crisis Intervention
Recognizing that the housing crisis is not just about finding a new home but also keeping an existing one, the United Way is deeply involved in financial stability programs. They offer support for homeowners struggling to maintain their mortgages, a critical service in the face of economic uncertainty. This includes the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance and the Foreclosure Mediation Assistance Program.
In 2024, their involvement in the Access Homeownership initiative, in partnership with organizations like FHLBNY and Greater Bergen Community, resulted in significant impact: 29 loans and over $264,500 in grants were distributed, providing tangible relief and preventing a wave of potential foreclosures.
4. The NJ211 Connection: Resource Mobilization
Bergen County's United Way is a core partner in the statewide NJ211 system. This essential service acts as a central hub, connecting community members in need with a vast network of resources. The mission is to ensure that anyone facing a challenge—whether it’s housing, food insecurity, or mental health—can quickly and easily find the help they require by simply dialing 2-1-1. This resource mobilization strategy ensures that BCUW’s impact is amplified across the county.
5. 2025 Fundraising Momentum: Annual Events
To sustain and expand their multi-million-dollar housing initiatives, BCUW relies on high-profile annual fundraising events. These events are not just social gatherings but critical drivers of capital for their development projects. The 2025 calendar highlights the organization's forward-looking financial strategy:
- The Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, with all proceeds earmarked for building affordable homes for seniors, veterans, families, and adults with developmental disabilities.
- The Annual Gala 2025 is also planned, serving as a major opportunity to thank sponsors and raise the necessary capital to continue their transformative work in community development.
The Future of Community Development in Bergen County
The strategic focus of Bergen County's United Way on affordable housing development sets a new standard for non-profit impact. By leveraging partnerships, securing complex financing, and maintaining a laser focus on the most underserved populations—including veterans, seniors, and individuals with developmental disabilities—BCUW is actively reshaping the landscape of Bergen County. The organization's commitment to fiscal transparency and ethical leadership ensures that every dollar raised through the Annual Gala and other events directly translates into stable, affordable homes. Their work is a powerful example of how a United Way can evolve to become the primary engine of community change and a true solution to the pressing housing crisis in New Jersey.
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