New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency

NJHMFA Celebrates the Opening of Robbinsville Residence for Individuals with Autism

For Immediate Release:
April 10, 2018
Contact:
Tammori Petty
,
Lisa Ryan
609-292-6055

Robbinsville, NJ – New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) and Robbinsville officials today joined representatives of Eden Autism at the ribbon-cutting for Schenk Place group home, which will provide permanent, supportive housing for individuals with autism.
 
The project transformed a ranch-style house into a four-bedroom home, which includes an eat-in kitchen, family room, living room, and three full baths. The home also includes laundry facilities, a back yard, full basement for use as recreational space, and an office to enable 24-hour staffing. The group home will serve four residents.
 
“We are incredibly proud to be a part of this rewarding project, which will provide stable, independent living to residents with autism,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and chairwoman of the NJHMFA board. “The success of Schenk Place is a testament to Robbinsville’s commitment to provide community-living options that accommodate individuals with special needs, as well as a wonderful example of how local, state, and private enterprise can work together to create quality affordable supportive housing for those who need it most."
 
NJHMFA provided $380,000 in construction and permanent financing for the development, which also received $100,000 from the Township of Robbinsville.
 
Schenk Place is a quiet, tree-lined street in a suburban neighborhood, which is close to restaurants, shopping, parks, a library, public transportation and more.
 
“Schenk Place continues our efforts to expand supportive housing opportunities in communities across the state,” said NJHMFA Executive Director Charles A. Richman. “This development will also help residents build on and learn new skills, and become part of the fabric of the community.”
 
Eden Autism will provide support services for Schenk Place residents, including individual-centered services designed to meet residents’ needs for care, treatment and training as well as personal and household maintenance skills.
 
Eden Autism operates 16 group homes and 11 supervised apartments, which house 95 residents with autism in nine towns in Mercer and Somerset counties.
 
NJHMFA, an affiliate of DCA, has been a leader in the creation and rehabilitation of nearly 100,000 affordable housing opportunities for families, seniors, and special needs residents statewide through its loan financing and bond programs; mortgage, down payment and closing costs assistance; and the award of federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits. For more information on NJHMFA programs, visit www.njhousing.gov.