CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a total of $15,835,231 in Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program grants to expand affordable housing options for South Jersey seniors. The funding will provide low-income elderly residents with options that allow them to live independently in an environment that provides support activities such as cleaning, cooking, transportation, and health-related services.

The funding will be used to develop housing for very low-income elderly residents, with the Diocesan Housing Services Corp. of the Diocese of Camden receiving $8,575,642 to support the production of 42 units, and the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, Inc. (VOADV) receiving $7,259,589 to support the production of 55 units.

“This vital funding will help to ensure our elderly residents not only have an affordable and safe place to call home but will also ensure they have access to transportation and health-related services,” said Congressman Norcross. “Every older American deserves to age independently and with dignity, and this funding will allow more South Jerseyans to do just that. I was glad to work with community leaders to support this grant and look forward to seeing the completed projects.”

“We’re thrilled to receive this HUD 202 award,” said Jamie Reynolds, Executive Director of The Diocesan Housing Services Corporation of the Diocese of Camden. “The funding will allow us to leverage an additional $10 million in financing to construct 75 units of much-needed affordable housing for low- and moderate-income seniors in Gloucester County. We’re grateful for the cooperation and assistance of Our Lady of Peace Parish and Bishop Sullivan, along with our local, state, and federal government partners in helping to make this project a reality.”  

“Access to quality, affordable housing, particularly for senior citizens, is critical for their long-term health and well-being,” said Daniel L. Lombardo, president and CEO of VOADV. “This grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will enable Volunteers of America Delaware Valley to continue to advance our mission of providing critical housing to seniors in Gloucester County, so they may live self-fulfilled, independent lives.”

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) is a local affiliate of the national, non-profit organization, Volunteers of America, and provides essential services to our community’s most vulnerable individuals. Each year, VOADV serves more than 13,000 individuals throughout the southern New Jersey and Philadelphia region and operates more than 40 high quality, outcome-driven assistance programs – from homelessness, reentry, veterans assistance, and affordable housing services to specialized programs for victims of human trafficking and individuals with addiction, traumatic brain injury and intellectual disabilities.

The Diocesan Housing Services Corporation of the Diocese of Camden (DHSC) is an experienced nonprofit developer of affordable housing for seniors, families, and people with special needs.   DHSC operates approximately 800 affordable apartment units across the Diocese of Camden, which covers the six southern counties of New Jersey (Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Cape May).

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Contact: Britton Burdick, Communications Director
britton.burdick@mail.house.gov