New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency

NJHMFA Marks Opening of Affordable, Supportive Apartments for Veterans in Hoboken

For Immediate Release:
July 9, 2019
Contact:
Amy Palmer
609-278-7423

Development Includes Superstorm Sandy Recovery Funding

HOBOKEN – American Legion Veterans Affordable Housing, which will provide affordable supportive homes for six homeless veterans and was funded in part by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting today joined by NJHFMA Executive Staff, local officials and the developer, American Legion Hoboken Post No. 107.

The project on Second Street involved the demolition of American Legion Post No. 107 and construction of a five-story building, which provides three efficiency and three one-bedroom apartments. The second floor, financed separately, is housing the new American Legion Hall. Residents are expected to start moving into the apartments in August.

“Governor Murphy and I are dedicated to taking care of our military veterans in New Jersey. When our state was hit by Superstorm Sandy, it left some of our most vulnerable residents, including veterans of limited financial means, in an even more precarious situation. This prompted the State of New Jersey to work with housing developers such as Monarch to create permanent, affordable housing for people with special needs in communities impacted by the storm,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as DCA Commissioner and chair of NJHMFA board. “The American Legion Veterans Affordable Housing project is emblematic of this collaboration. The Department of Community Affairs was proud to partner with NJHMFA and the project’s developer to provide Sandy recovery funding and housing vouchers to help give six previously homeless veterans a permanent place to call home.”

NJHMFA provided $1.3 million from its Sandy Special Needs Housing Fund, which was created in April 2013 with $60 million to facilitate the development of quality, supportive permanent housing in the nine counties most impacted by Superstorm Sandy. To date, the program has funded 48 projects providing 401 beds for special needs residents. DCA’s Division of Housing and Community Resources awarded the project six project-based housing vouchers for military veterans, and the project also includes $855,000 in Hudson County Home Funds toward the construction of the overall building.

“NJHMFA is proud to be included in this development partnership, which represents a deep commitment to helping veterans who have served our country so honorably. Permanent supportive housing and services will provide the needed stability to help them rebuild their lives," said NJHMFA Executive Director Charles A. Richman. “This outstanding project also reflects the continued successful rebuilding efforts after Superstorm Sandy, which severely impacted Hoboken.”

The building also includes bicycle and storage rooms, and an outdoor covered patio. The two residential floors each have their own laundry rooms. All apartments are either handicap adaptable or accessible, and one efficiency and a one-bedroom apartment are for the hearing and visually impaired.  The complex is within walking distance of pharmacies, grocery stores, hospitals, doctors’ offices, schools, parks, and other recreational activities. 

The Hoboken Shelter Inc. will provide support services focused on helping residents live independently in permanent supportive housing, including ongoing services that address residents’ daily living and special needs. Services will include onsite case management services and linkages to mainstream resources, and access to health care and other treatment services. 

Monarch Housing Associates served as the consultant for the project.  Monarch is a Cranford-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding the supply, accessibility and variety of affordable, permanent supportive housing through development, planning, advocacy and partnerships.

For more information on NJHMFA and its programs, visit njhousing.gov.