The Columbia Bank Foundation is pleased to announce its efforts to stimulate affordable housing within New Jersey. The Foundation recently announced grants of over $300,000 to local housing organizations across the state. Through a specialized Large Housing Grant Program, the Foundation provided funds to support affordable housing development, temporary housing programs, and access to homeownership services.
“From high interest rates to low housing inventory, homebuyers across the nation are finding homes increasingly more difficult to afford. Supporting affordable housing initiatives is critical to building stability, security, and future wealth for our residents,” said Thomas J. Kemly, President, and CEO of Columbia Bank and President of The Columbia Bank Foundation. “We are incredibly proud to support local organizations who too, believe that every New Jersey resident deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.”
The Columbia Bank Foundation’s Housing Grant Program is dedicated to supporting initiatives that ensure access to affordable, sustainable, and safe housing options for all. Through temporary housing programs or opportunities for homeownership, the program aims to benefit low-to-moderate income individuals and communities across the state.
Some recipients of the housing grant included:
- Joseph's House of Camden, LLC received $25,00 for its “Fund Bed Nights: Save Lives Program,” which provides shelter, meals, and supportive services to help guests exit homelessness.
- Parkside Business & Community in Partnership Inc. received $50,000 to support housing development, home repair assistance, and to enhance financial empowerment education programs within Camden’s Parkside neighborhood.
- Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society received $50,000 for its “SJCS Affordable Housing Program,” which aims to revitalize Camden through the new construction of five affordable housing units and rehabilitation of ten homeownership units.
- Monarch Housing Associates, Inc. received $25,000 for its “Emerging Developer Pipeline Development (EDPD) Project,” which enables emerging developers, black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), and faith-based partners to strengthen their affordable housing development pipelines in New Jersey.
- York Street Project, Jersey City received $100,000 for its “Rapid Rehousing Rental Assistance Program,” which provides extended rental assistance support and intensive job skills training for Jersey City families.
- Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corp. received $25,000 for its “Diving of Housing and Community Development Program,” which enhances the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents through affordable housing and homeownership opportunities.
- South Ward Alliance received $25,000 for its “Family Village” project, which develops and rehabilitates low-income housing in the South Ward of Newark, New Jersey.
- New Jersey Community Development Corporation Inc. received $25,000 for its “Affordable Housing Initiative,” which expands and enhances supportive housing initiatives that help residents navigate tenancy applications and government assistance processes in Paterson, New Jersey.
- Eva's Village on behalf of Eva's on Jackson, LLC received $50,000 for its “Building Healthier (More) Equitable Communities (BHEC) Initiative,” which will fund the new construction of a supportive apartment building in Paterson, New Jersey. The building will offer affordable housing and childcare services for single mothers.
The Columbia Bank Foundation’s commitment to affordable housing initiatives demonstrates its desire to improve housing opportunities and promote community development throughout New Jersey.
For more information regarding the Columbia Bank Foundation and grant eligibility requirements, please visit columbiabankonline.com/foundation.
