New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency

NJHMFA Marks Grand Opening of Affordable Housing for Veterans, Families in Gloucester County

For Immediate Release:
November 19, 2018
Contact:
Amy Palmer
609.278.7423

CLAYTON – A new community of affordable rental apartments for veterans and families celebrated its official grand opening today joined by Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) Executive Director Charles A. Richman, Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, local officials, and representatives from Conifer Realty LLC and the People for People Foundation.

Camp Salute, which was eight years in the making, includes 76 apartments for residents earning up to 60 percent of the area median income. One quarter, 19 units, are set aside for disabled or homeless veterans, who will pay only 30 percent of their income as rent.

“In addition to supporting veterans when they are on active duty, we are doing our part in New Jersey to help them when they come home,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and Chair of the NJHMFA board.  “This new apartment complex is part of a statewide effort to provide veterans access to affordable, safe, and decent housing and there is no better way to show support than offering them a place to call home.”

The development is fully rented, with veterans and their families now occupying half of the units. Residents include veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars and Afghanistan.

The development, a joint venture between Conifer and People for People, a private, nonprofit group, includes a tot lot and a community center housing an exercise room, common laundry area and computer lab. The Camp Salute Community Center also houses offices for the People to People Foundation and its Veteran Resource Center, which provides services not only to veterans who are residents but veterans throughout South Jersey.

“We are proud to have been part of this special community to provide homes that are affordable for veterans and families,” said NJHMFA Executive Director Charles A. Richman. “This development embodies a labor of love and a strong commitment to veterans who have served our country so honorably.”

NJHMFA, which provided significant backing for the $22.9 million complex, approved 9 percent Low Income Housing Tax Credits for project, which will generate $17.7 million in private equity. 

The one- to three-bedroom apartments are set in eight buildings. Rents range from $714 to $870 for one-bedroom apartments; $845 to $1,120 for two-bedroom units; and $981 to $1,197 for three-bedroom units. The development is located off Delsea Drive (Route 47), a main thoroughfare, which provides easy access to shopping, public transportation, churches and other amenities.

The People for People Foundation is providing a full array of social services for all residents, including professional and personal development such as resume writing and job interviewing skills, supportive services, and art therapy. The Clayton Elks also have provided welcoming kits to new veterans moving in, such as kitchen and bath necessities, small appliances, and a mattress if needed.

Conifer Realty, LLC, is a full-service real estate company specializing in the development, construction, management and ownership of high-quality, affordable housing communities.

For rental information or to be placed on the Camp Salute waiting list, visit www.campsalute.com or call (856) 347-4025.

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

NJHMFA Marks Grand Opening of Affordable Housing for Veterans, Families in Gloucester County
High Res Photo

From left, Clayton Mayor Tom Bianco; Camp Salute resident Rebecca Edwards; Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney; Bernadette Blackstock, People For People Foundation CEO; Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver; NJHMFA Executive Director Charles A. Richman; Congressman-Elect Jeff Van Drew; and Gloucester County Freeholder   Frank DiMarco cut the ribbon at Camp Salute on Nov. 19, 2018.