HCST Center Closing Sparks Community Outcry

Hudson County Schools of Technology’s Community Resource Center faces closure on June 30th despite providing vital services like legal aid, rental help, food security, ESL classes, job placement, and even Spanish-language forklift certification — all approved for $1.3 million in county funding. Workers, including Outreach Coordinator David Morel, argue the center’s shutdown leaves families without critical support as demand grows, questioning why dedicated staff are being laid off while similar programs expand elsewhere. Morel details painful consequences: rescinded job offers and skimpy severance after years of service, demanding fairness and accountability from commissioners. County Administrator Abe Antun explains the center lost a grant because it didn’t apply, while commissioners grapple with funding splits and duplicated costs — though some express frustration over poor communication. A faint hope remains as the county lends grant specialists to explore new funding, but many remain skeptical about the real cost savings and community impact. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e205203675038bcd