South Brunswick to be recognized for special-needs housing initiatives

South Brunswick will be recognized by the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey (SHA) on Dec. 6 as a town in New Jersey that provides inclusive environments for people living with special needs.

“South Brunswick Township strongly endorses affordable housing units for the underprivileged and people with disabilities,” South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese said. “Our community partners with organizations to allow individuals with mental, physical and development disabilities to live on their own. In some cases, the township has partnered with private organizations in the building of facilities as well as assisting with transportation for their residents.”

The township will be recognized at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick.

“We in South Brunswick feel a special need in helping to serve people of low income and those with special needs, because it returns people to a more normal living routine and does so in a fiscally responsible manner,” he said.

Supportive housing is a philosophy and model that promotes the development of permanent affordable homes — with access to supportive services — in communities throughout the country for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and physical impairments. This group includes disabled veterans and those at risk of homelessness.

The municipalities of Closter and Tinton Falls will also receive special recognition for their individual efforts to provide homes for people living with disabilities.

“It is through the commitment of a growing number of towns and cities in New Jersey that people with disabilities can leave institutional settings or move out of their family homes to live with independence and pride in communities of their choice,” Carol Dougherty of the SHA Board of Trustees said. “We owe a debt of gratitude to municipal leaders who believe in inclusive communities and who strive to create affordable homes for those most in need.”