POMPTON PLAINS, N.J. – December 8, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Representatives from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) joined local officials today to celebrate the grand opening of Evans Place, an affordable supportive housing community for individuals with special needs. The HMFA, an affiliate of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), provided $2.4 million in construction and permanent financing from the Special Needs Housing Trust Fund.
“Evans Place represents a commitment to compassionate and effective services delivered in a manner that respects individual dignity, personal strength, and self-determination,” said DCA Commissioner Lori Grifa, who is Chair of the HMFA. “The DCA and HMFA will continue to partner on projects that provide both affordable housing and permanent supportive housing so that people with disabilities will have the opportunity to live in an environment that fosters independence.”
As part of the Evans Place project, three scattered site properties in Pompton Plains were renovated into 11 rental units, including 8 efficiencies, 2 one-bedroom apartments, and 1 two-bedroom apartment. The efficiencies and one-bedroom units will provide permanent supportive housing to 10 individuals who are recovering from mental illness. The two-bedroom apartment will serve an adult parent recovering from mental illness who is living with dependent children. Each unit is equipped with a full bathroom and a kitchenette.
“The opening of Evans Place symbolizes tremendous progress for the Pompton Plains community,” said HMFA Executive Director Anthony L. Marchetta. “We at the HMFA are delighted that our Special Needs Housing Trust Fund was able to help NewBridge Services initiate this critically important project.”
Evans Place was developed by NewBridge Services Inc., a non-profit, community-based mental health services agency that provides a range of housing and social services to mental health consumers throughout Morris and Passaic counties. In addition to developing the project, NewBridge is also managing the property and administering the supportive services.
The Special Needs Housing Trust Fund is administered by the HMFA and provides capital financing to create permanent supportive housing and community residences for individuals with special needs, with priority given to individuals with mental illness. The purpose of the fund is to develop special needs housing and residential opportunities as alternatives to institutionalization or homelessness for those who would benefit from these programs and to ensure the long-term viability of such housing.
For more information on all HMFA programs, please call 1-800-NJHOUSE or 609-278-7400, or log on to www.nj-hmfa.com.
Contact:
Hollie Gilroy
Lisa Ryan, Office of Communications
(609) 292-6055
