New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency

DCA & HMFA Celebrate the Grand Opening of Affordable Housing Community in Morristown

For Immediate Release:
January 28, 2011
Contact:
Hollie Gilroy
,
Lisa Ryan, Office of Communications
(609) 292-6055

The Pointe Will Provide Supportive Housing for Homeless Individuals

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Representatives from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) joined local officials today to celebrate the completion of The Pointe, an affordable, supportive housing community located on Harrison Street in Morristown, Morris County. The HMFA, an affiliate of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), provided approximately $612,000 in permanent financing for the project from the Special Needs Housing Trust Fund. To assist with the operations of the community, DCA committed housing vouchers from the State Rental Assistance Program.

“Increasing housing availability for all segments of the population, including people who are homeless, requires partnerships between communities, philanthropic groups and the State,” said DCA Commissioner Lori Grifa. “I extend sincere congratulations to the development team for recognizing the need to provide homeless individuals with a permanent place to live and to supply them with social services to keep them from returning to the streets.”

The Pointe features 4 one-bedroom apartment units for homeless individuals. Each unit is equipped with a kitchen, living room and bathroom. Sustainable design features include low VOC paints, Energy Star appliances, and water-saving fixtures. The Pointe is situated in a well-maintained residential neighborhood and fits within the context of Morristown’s historic landscape. The apartments are in close proximity to a park, a retail corridor, and a public transportation hub.

"Providing housing for homeless individuals means more than giving them a roof over their heads. They need assistance in getting and staying on the road to self-sufficiency and self-empowerment,” said HMFA Executive Director Anthony L. Marchetta. “The HMFA is pleased to provide the capital financing that enabled the development of this project.”

The Pointe was developed by Homeless Solutions Inc., a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing shelter, supportive services, and housing to homeless and low-income individuals and families. Homeless Solutions is currently the largest provider of homeless shelters and services in Morris County. This organization will also provide residents with social services, including help with financial management, education, and employment.

The Special Needs Housing Trust Fund is administered by the HMFA and provides capital financing to create permanent supportive housing and community residences for individuals with special needs, with priority given to individuals with mental illness. The purpose of the fund is to develop special needs housing and residential opportunities as alternatives to institutionalization or homelessness for those who would benefit from these programs and to ensure the long-term viability of such housing.

The State Rental Assistance Program provides rental assistance to elderly and disabled people who were either living in deplorable housing units or were severely cost-burdened, paying over 50 percent of their limited income on housing costs. It also helps formerly homeless households who were either living on the streets, in emergency shelters, or in transitional housing facilities.

For more information on HMFA programs, please call 1-800-NJHOUSE or (609) 278-7400, or log on to www.nj-hmfa.com. For more information on the State Rental Assistance Program, please log on to www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/srap.html on the DCA website.