Read the full article by the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey here

The Jewish Federation’s project to build affordable housing for older adults and adults with special needs received two major grants. Congressman Donald Norcross announced a $1.58-million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, through the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) for the new housing to be located at The Commons, 1721 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill. The grant was one of two announced by Norcross. The other grant announced by Norcross was $1.67-million that will partially finance construction costs for Project Freedom, Inc., as homes are built in Gibbsboro for people who are physically disabled. The other grant received for The Commons was a $125,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation.

“This is incredible news for our Camden County neighbors who need safe and affordable places to call home,” said Norcross in announcing the grant. “I am proud to have supported this federal grant initiative that is helping those who desperately need proper housing and care. These two development projects will strengthen our South Jersey economy and provide a bright future for hundreds of members of our communities.”

“The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey is thrilled by this award from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York,” said Jennifer Dubrow Weiss, CEO of The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. “The award will provide the project, at 1721 Springdale Road, with critical support for affordable housing for seniors and adults with special needs. Along with our developer, Pennrose and the support of the Township of Cherry Hill and Camden County, we are excited to bring this needed project for community-based housing and services to fruition. Thank you for helping to make the dream a reality for our community,” said Weiss.

In addition to the $1.58-million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, the Federation received a $125,000 affordable housing grant for The Commons through the TD Charitable Foundation’s Housing for Everyone grant competition.

The Housing for Everyone grant competition is one of the TD Charitable Foundation’s most widely known programs. The competition invites local non-profit organizations from Maine to Florida to submit proposals outlining their plans and initiatives to support and provide affordable housing in their communities. Twenty-five organizations were awarded a $125,000 grant for a total grant donation of $3.125-million in 2017.

This year’s TD Charitable Foundation “Housing for Everyone” theme was “Affordable Housing for All,” focusing on initiatives that support the funding for safe, clean, physically accessible housing for all populations, including the elderly, new Americans, individuals with a mental or physical disability, families headed by a single parent or guardian, veterans and emancipated youth.

Commenting on The Commons at 1721 Springdale Rd., Federation CEO Weiss said, “There is a need for more affordable housing for older adults and adults with special needs in our community. While we currently have three subsidized housing options for older adults, each has a wait list more than two years long. This is the Jewish Federation’s first foray into housing for those with special needs, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s been a longtime dream for our community and we are thrilled to see it finally coming to fruition.”

“I’d like to thank Jen and her team for working so hard to obtain these prestigious grants for 1721,” said Federation President Glenn Fuhrman. He added that he could not say enough about their tremendous efforts and all their great work on 1721.

The housing at 1721 will bring independent, multi-generational living to both older adults and adults with special needs, while providing supportive services, work and volunteer opportunities, and community activities for both residents and non-residents to live a full, independent, and integrated life. The community will feature fully accessible, low-profile buildings and onsite wraparound support services so that residents of all abilities can live comfortably and independently.