A sizable plot of land in Monmouth County will soon be home to a building filled with apartments set aside for former military members, some of whom are transitioning from homelessness.
Federal and state officials joined executives from WinnDevelopment and Soldier On earlier this month to kick off construction on a $23 million apartment community in Tinton Falls. The endeavor will create 70 one-bedroom units that will be available exclusively for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and amenities planned for the development include a community room, offices, mail area, common laundry, and an exterior courtyard with benches and grills.
The four-story complex, named the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Village after a Purple Heart winning veteran, was designed by PS&S Architecture & Engineering of Cherry Hill. It will feature units for a range of income levels, including 18 apartments for individuals earning up to 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). 24 units will be designated at 50% of AMI, 10 apartments will be set aside for those making 60% of AMI, and the remaining 18 spaces will be available to veterans at 80% AMI.
Tinton falls donated the 12-acre parcel towards the project, which is getting financial support from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) and a low-income housing tax credit equity from Bank of America. The development is also receiving a subordinate mortgage from the Federal Home Loan Bank New York Affordable Housing Program, funds from Monmouth County, a project-based rental assistance from the New Jersey Department of Housing Assistance, and a deferred developer fee.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) additionally awarded 18 Housing Choice Project-Based Vouchers to the project to assist homeless veterans. The project, expected to be ready for occupancy in October 2021, was lauded by officials during the groundbreaking.
“We have a moral obligation to take care of our soldiers when they complete their service to our country, some of whom will have lifelong mental and physical health challenges as a result,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. “Providing them accessible, decent, safe and clean housing with the supportive services they require is one of the ways we can help ensure they live the quality of life they deserve.”
WinnResidential will manage The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Village in collaboration with Soldier On, a non-profit organization serving homeless veterans since 1994. The group will provide future residents with comprehensive services that include case management, wellness support, workforce assistance, and many other ancillary support programs.
