PEQUANNOCK TWP. – October 12, 2011 – Committed to easing New Jersey’s housing crisis, NewBridge Services, Inc. has achieved its 2006 goal of providing 100 units of affordable housing throughout the Garden State.
“Five years ago, NewBridge set out to help meet the staggering demand for safe, decent and affordable housing in New Jersey,” said NewBridge Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Parker. “We are proud to fulfill our pledge and improve the lives of 100 families and individuals.”
In 2007, NewBridge converted a former private residential health care facility in Boonton into affordable housing. Since then, NewBridge and its affiliates have added affordable housing in towns throughout six North Jersey counties and Monmouth County. The nonprofit met its goal in August with the purchase of a Jersey City property that will end homelessness for four individuals.
“It’s a very, very significant accomplishment,” said Sabine von Aulock, director of the Morris County Division of Community Development. “In a world where there’s not much good news – budgets are shrinking, philanthropy is waning, here you have an organization that, despite this financial landscape, was able to attain a lofty goal and help fill a hugely unmet need.”
NewBridge is not stopping there. “With so many New Jerseyans still in dire need of affordable housing, we are moving ahead with additional projects,” said NewBridge Chief Real Estate Officer Melody Federico.
NewBridge has secured grants to build housing for 16 homeless individuals in Sussex, Bergen and Essex counties. To help families in which a parent of dependent children has a mental illness, the agency is expanding the Clifton Family Housing Project, adding six more units of affordable housing.
Widely known as a community provider of behavioral health and education programs and services, NewBridge has been creating affordable housing for special needs populations since 1980. Because of its housing expertise, other nonprofits, municipalities and government agencies call upon NewBridge to assist them on projects. NewBridge was recently chosen to help implement New Jersey’s Special Needs Housing Partnership, a plan to produce homes for 600 developmentally disabled people.
About NewBridge Services
Founded in 1963, NewBridge Services, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) community organization providing innovative programs and education services in five focus areas: mental health, addiction, housing, youth programs and senior services. Whether guiding people as they cope with stress, grief, or substance abuse, or providing advice to those with parenting, relationship or caregiving challenges, NewBridge helps people bring balance to their lives.