Affordable housing community for veterans and senior citizens comes to Bordentown Township

A new housing community in Bordentown Township opened this year, which will offer affordable units to senior citizens and veterans.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Nov. 14 to celebrate the opening of a new 70-unit senior and veteran affordable housing facility, “The Waterfront Village,” located at 100 Maud Booth Court.

Bordentown Township officials joined Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) representatives, project partners and community members to celebrate the facility’s opening.

“Bordentown Township could not be more proud to cut the ribbon on this new project and is excited to offer more affordable housing opportunities to local senior citizens and veterans,” Bordentown Township Mayor Stephen Benowitz said.

The housing community features housing and independent living for seniors and veterans. The facility features large one-bedroom apartments, laundry facilities, community rooms, and access to outdoor trails. The project was constructed by VOADV.

“Waterfront Village provides individuals with the opportunity to live independent, fulfilled lives, all within a supportive community setting,” said Daniel L. Lombardo, president and CEO of the VOADV. “We are thrilled to continue to expand upon our mission of providing safe, quality and affordable housing to Burlington County residents, as well as those within our veterans’ community.”

Officials said the Waterfront Village was funded through a partnership between the VOADV, TD Bank and the Bordentown Township Affordable Housing Trust Fund, utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.

The 70-unit, three story affordable housing community and independent living program is also part of a township-wide waterfront redevelopment of a former ship repair and cleaning site, located along the Delaware River and near the RiverLine light rail.

Officials said units at Waterfront Village are available to adults ages 55 and over who are income qualified.

The community consists of large one-bedroom units with energy efficient appliance and fixtures, onsite laundry facilities and indoor/outdoor community spaces. The property also boasts walking paths that connect to the county’s beautiful trail network.

The community also offers several units designated specifically for homeless veterans. VOADV will provide social services for these veterans, which they said will include:

– Housing Guidance and Counseling – VOADV case managers will provide counseling, assistance to veterans in understanding leases and securing utilities, education for making moving arrangements, mediation/outreach to property owners related to locating or retaining housing and representative payee services concerning rent and utilities as needed.

– Legal Assistance and Guidance – VOADV case managers will assist participants in obtaining legal assistance to help remove barriers to obtaining and retaining housing.

– Other Essential Support Services – VOADV staff may provide financial planning, transportation, income support services, employment and educational assistance and life skills training. Referrals will be made for health care, behavioral healthcare and daily living services and to local providers for legal services, childcare and other needs as identified.

In addition to these services, officials said all community members will have access to a Tenant Resources Coordinator who, alongside the Community Manager, may assist residents in the planning, promotion and execution of additional onsite community workshops/events to focus on specific needs of the resident population at Waterfront Village.

VOADV provides housing services through a variety of residential communities throughout the region, serving a variety of individuals – seniors, veterans, low-income populations, families and individuals in need of emergency placement.

For more information about the Waterfront Village community, visit www.voadv.org/waterfront-village. For more information about Volunteer of America Delaware Valley, visit www.voadv.org.