Brittin Village Opens In Pennsauken

In early September, VOADV held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Brittin Village, their newest affordable housing community located in Pennsauken (3911 Federal Street). A select group of local elected officials, including Congressman Donald Norcross and Camden County Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, joined representatives from VOADV and project partners to announce the completion of the community, VOADV’s newest affordable housing project in the region.

Located on the site of the former Brittin Reserve Army Training Center, Brittin Village is located right off Route 130 in Pennsauken, with easy access to Philadelphia and the greater Southern New Jersey region. The community consists of 66 income-restricted rental units – all containining a full kitchen, living and dining areas, full bathrooms and large and spacious bedrooms, in addition to community amenities like a spacious community room for community events, exercise room, playground, recreational activities, an outdoor patio with tables and seating, a social services coordinator and onsite laundry amenities.

“In these uncertain times, we are thrilled to be able to celebrate the completion of our newest affordable housing community right here in the heart of South Jersey,” said Daniel L. Lombardo, president and CEO of VOADV. “Brittin Village honors the life of an extraordinary local war veteran – and we are proud to be able to offer a number of units within the community dedicated solely to local homeless veterans. We hope this community gives individuals the opportunity to lead independent, self-fulfilled lives, all in a safe and supportive community setting.”

Brittin Village is named after and honors the life of Nelson Brittin of Audubon, who was killed in action during the Korean War and posthumously awarded the medal of honor. The community offers 14 units designated specifically for veterans, with VOADV offering social services for these veterans, including:

• 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, all Brittin Village residents will have access to a Social Services Coordinator, who may focus on specific needs of the resident population at the community.

The Brittin Village project was financed with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, over $14 million in tax credit equity from Enterprise Community Investments, Fulton Bank, Home Depot Foundation and Capital Magnet Funds from Volunteers of America National Services.

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

For more information about VOADV’s Brittin Village community, visit www.voadv.org/brittinvillage.