Construction is underway on an 84-unit community in Gloucester County. State, county and local New Jersey officials gathered in West Deptford with executives from WinnDevelopment and the non-profit Soldier On, Inc., to celebrate the groundbreaking on a $29 million affordable housing development for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans and Seniors Village will house veterans ages 55 and older with a mix of adaptable one and two-bedroom units. The apartments are designed to support both independent living and aging in place. The West Deptford development marks the third time WinnCompanies and Soldier On have partnered in New Jersey. Their first project in the state, the 70-unit Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Village in Tinton Falls opened in 2021 and has received several awards.
“The State of New Jersey has made veterans’ housing a priority, and we are proud to work with Soldier On to advance this important public policy goal,” commented WinnDevelopment Senior Vice President David Ginsberg. “The support this development has received from partners at all levels of government is inspiring.”
Soldier On is a non-profit organization that works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide military veterans with housing, support services, wellness programs, life skills training, and legal assistance.
“Soldier On is pleased to partner once again with WinnCompanies and the State of New Jersey in advancing our mission to end veteran homelessness within the state. This collaborative initiative has demonstrated both necessity and success, serving as an effective model for providing permanent solutions to veteran homelessness in New Jersey,” added Soldier On CEO Bruce Buckley.
Funding is being provided by several public and private institutions, including the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Senator Cory Booker secured a $900,000 Community Project Fund Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). The Township of West Deptford approved funds from its Affordable Housing Trust and a PILOT agreement.
The Housing Authority of Gloucester County has allocated Project Based Vouchers for future residents. Bank of America is delivering construction financing and federal LIHTC and Investment Tax Credits. Liberty Mutual Insurance provided capital and bridge financing, while Gloucester County, NJ, delivered HOME program funds. The Home Depot Foundation offered an award to support the project.
Scheduled to open in October 2026, the community will provide 21 apartments at or below 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), 21 units at or below 50 percent AMI, and 42 units at or below 60 percent AMI.
Amenities will be designed to support services for veterans dealing with both physical and mental health challenges. These include a space for telehealth appointments and private meeting rooms. Amenities will feature communal spaces, including a cafe and kitchenette, lounges, laundry rooms, and a small events room. Residents will also enjoy an eternal flame and a memorial flag area, green space, a patio, and a BBQ.
Del-Sano Contracting of West Long Branch is serving as the contractor with PS&S Architects and Engineers of Warren as the architect.
