The Camden Community Housing Collaborative (CCHC), a new $18 million initiative, has been launched by the Camden Community Partnership, Rowan-Rutgers Board of Governors, Camden County Improvement Authority (CCIA), and the Cooper Foundation. The program aims to address the need for affordable and accessible housing in Camden City by redeveloping underused lots into mixed-income and mixed-use communities. The CCHC will be managed as a public-private partnership by CCIA and the Camden Community Partnership.
Dana Redd, Chief Executive Officer for the Camden Community Partnership, described the initiative as unprecedented for the city’s housing stock. “We are rolling up our sleeves to create a new generation of housing for residents, families and seniors in the city,” Redd said. “I know how hard it can be to get projects from a vision to brick and sticks and based on that experience I believe my team can create a one stop shop for our partners to lean on and work with to deliver for our residents.”
Funding includes $7.5 million from CCIA’s revolving housing fund, $5.5 million from Rowan-Rutgers Joint Board of Governors, and $5 million from both the Cooper Foundation and Norcross Foundation.
George Norcross, Chairman of Cooper University Health Care and MD Anderson Cancer Center, emphasized why expanding housing options is important: “Camden is increasingly a place people want to live because it’s close to new jobs, the schools are dramatically improving, and there are more things to do for families – everything from sports for children to a growing number of places to eat and shop,” he said. “That’s why this new program is so important: current and new residents need a variety of safe, high quality and affordable housing options. Expanding housing options are an important ‘next step’ in Camden’s transformation from the country’s poorest, most violent city into a nationally recognized example of how a city can rebuild.”
Several local community development corporations such as St. Joe’s Carpenter’s Society, Habitat for Humanity, Heart of Camden, Parkside Business & Community in Partnership (PBCIP), and Camden Lutheran Housing will receive grants through CCHC funding streams.
Mayor Victor Carstarphen commented on supporting these organizations: “Housing has been a main priority for my administration throughout my tenure as mayor and I believe this new fund will jumpstart so many projects that need a small financial lift to get moving,” Carstarphen said. “Our nonprofit partners have worked long and hard on designing state of the art housing that will benefit our residents. This plan will deliver the housing stock that the residents of Camden deserve, and we need to build a better city.”
The CCP will provide logistical support within its organization by assisting community development corporations with permitting processes.
Jeffrey Nash, CEO of Rowan University Rutgers Camden Joint Board of Governors stated: “Housing is one of the most important pieces to the social fabric of our community,” Nash said. “Quality housing makes a significant difference to the residents of Cadmen who should have the same equity in housing stock as anywhere else in the region. This seed money is the first step in making that dream a reality.”
The collaborative plans include leveraging state programs such as NJEDA’s ASPIRE program for project financing gaps; using NJHMFA’s 4% low-income tax credits; applying for HOME Investment Partnership Loan Funds; prioritizing opportunity zone properties; utilizing CCIA demolition resources; offering bridge loan financing.
Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr., liaison to CCIA said: “The need for affordable, quality housing is not a problem that is unique to Camden, we are seeing communities across the country grapple with this issue,” Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said. “We came together with our community partners to brainstorm how we could deliver real solutions to this problem, and that is when the Camden Community Housing Collaborative was born. This nonprofit organization will act as a catalyst and facilitator…so that our residents can have easier and more affordable access…no matter what neighborhood they live in.”
Congressman Donald Norcross also noted collaboration between nonprofits and government: “Every family deserves a safe and affordable place to call home…With this collaboration…Camden is transforming vacant lots into homes…Camden City’s comeback proves what’s possible when we invest in community safety, housing…”
Brandi Johnson (Camden Lutheran Housing) stated: “Camden Lutheran Housing Inc….believed stable dignified housing is foundation…we are honored…this effort builds on years local momentum…”
Pilar Hogan (Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society) added: “Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society has worked 40 years creating homes…we are excited…to invest in neighborhoods…”
Bridget Phifer (Parkside Business & Community in Partnership) highlighted organizational commitment: “We are excited…to advance expansion affordable/emerging market housing especially Parkside…”
Carlos Morales (Heart of Camden) commended Mayor Carstarphen’s leadership: “Heart of Camden proud have mayor who champions both work/people…”
Lori Leonard (Habitat for Humanity South Central New Jersey) underscored impact on nonprofits working directly with residents: “We’re incredibly grateful …This new funding will allow us …to expand impact …build more affordable homes …help more families live safe stable housing.”
