We received 58 names and telephone numbers of people on Corinthian’s waiting list for housing. We were able to contact 42 percent or 25 of the 58 names given. Several numbers were not in working order. The results of the telephone survey are presented as follows.

Ninety-two percent of the interviewees were females. Forty-four percent had some high school education, 36% percent were high school graduates. The other 20% had some college education, were attending school, or had either attended or graduated from a technical school. Those that were employed had various occupations ranging from food service to administrative assistants.

Eighty-four percent of those interviewed are now renting, twelve percent are living with others, and four percent owns their home. Sixty-two percent live within 15 blocks of Corinthian now, thirty-one percent live within 30 blocks, while only seven percent live more than 30 blocks away.

Twenty-eight percent have been in their present location a year or less, while the same was true for those living in their present location 10 years or more. Twenty percent have been 2 to 3 years, 12% for 4 to 5 years, and 6% each for 6 and 8 years.

The interviewees mentioned several reasons for their desire to relocate. The one frequently mentioned was affordability, followed by location, convenience, and neighborhood amenities followed in importance. The least mentioned were city amenities, being near church, family, and friends, and other.

Fifty-two percent of those interviewed would like to rent. Those who desired to own, or either rent or own, was 24% each. Sixty percent would like three bedrooms, 32% two bedrooms and 8% desired more. None of those interviewed were interested in studios or one bedroom dwellings. Eighty-four percent were interested in two bathrooms and only 16% wanted one bathroom.

The majority of interviewees considered being near shopping recreation, entertainment, healthcare, church and schools as very important. Having the convenience of play ground, child care, and laundry facilities and yard and lawn care was considered important by all. One interviewee did mention that it would be nice to have a pool nearby.

The majority stated they would participate in a tenant crime watch program and an after school program. One interviewee mentioned a reading program. There are a few who did not have children.

Only twelve percent are now employed in the Central Ward, 24% work elsewhere in Newark, 40% work elsewhere in Essex County. Those working elsewhere in New Jersey accounted for only 4% percent. Those unemployed involved only 20%.

Of those working, 43% either drive alone or use public transportation, while 14% either carpool or use other means. Ninety percent said that they would continue to use the same mode of transportation to get to work.

Forty-five percent of respondents had one or two children. Thirty-five percent had three children and 15% had more. It is important to note that many of those interviewed are raising grandchildren along with their own.

The majority of children are of elementary school age followed by the infant/toddler age group. Children of junior/senior high school age are the next largest group. A small group of children are adults, not living at home.

• The waiting list needs to be updated.
• Half the respondents had three or more children. Also more grandparents are raising their grandchildren along with their own. Corinthian will need to build larger units. The large family size is consistent with the demand for more bedrooms.
• The most frequently mentioned desires of those searching for housing are affordability, location, and convenience. A three bedroom, two bathroom dwelling seemed to be the most popular type of housing searched for. Being near shopping, recreation, entertainment, healthcare, church, and school will make a dwelling more desirable according to the majority of interviewees.
• Most of the waiting list are now renters and the majority expressed a preference to continue renting. Future development should reflect a rental tenure.
• Market housing to the neighborhood and Newark residents.