PEQUANNOCK, NJ – Aug. 25, 2011 – NewBridge Services, Inc. has been selected to assist in implementing New Jersey’s Special Needs Housing Partnership, a plan to produce homes for 600 developmentally disabled people.
The state Departments of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Department of Human Services (DHS), along with the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMA), this month released a list of 57 housing developers/service providers, including NewBridge, that have the technical expertise and capacity to create housing units for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The goal is to purchase and renovate three- or four-bedroom ranch-style homes and two-bedroom condominiums and apartments to create supported-living arrangements to help people with special needs in to the community by June 30, 2013.
The DCA will help municipalities use their affordable housing trust funds to create housing and to help them leverage those funds with affordable housing resources at the NJHMA. Those resources include: tax credit financing, low-interest loans, and federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The plan will allow people living in developmental centers, those who are on the DHS waiting list, and others who require emergency community residential placements to move into appropriate housing faster than the state’s current process. Service providers in the community can also refer their clients to the housing.
NewBridge has a successful record of building and supporting affordable housing in northern New Jersey. The nonprofit this year met its goal of bringing 100 affordable housing units to New Jersey.
NewBridge’s affordable housing program is focused on all aspects of developing affordable, sustainable housing for families and individuals of all income levels and persons with special needs. In addition to developing its own affordable housing, NewBridge also partners with other entities including municipalities, agencies, nonprofits, and financial institutions, to help them develop new housing.
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.