A New Home for Individuals with Special Needs — Residence at South College Drive

The Housing Authority of Gloucester County (HAGC), Gloucester County Housing Development Corporation (GCHDC), Gloucester County, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), and Deptford Township celebrated the grand opening of the Residence at South College Drive project, a 24-unit, 29,000 sf. apartment building for individuals with special needs, located on a leased parcel of land on the RCSJ Gloucester County Campus. 

State and local government officials were joined by families, community members and staff to welcome and support the new residents to their homes. For most residents this will be the first time they will be able to live independently, an important life milestone that would allow them to flourish in the community.

“The Residence at South College Drive is an addition to the Housing Authority's portfolio of well-managed properties that are assets to the community and fulfill our mission to provide affordable housing to those whose needs are not met by the general market. On behalf of the Housing Authority and its Board of Commissioners, I am proud that the Housing Authority is a part of the Academy of Neurodiversity, and has developed and will manage the Residence at South College Drive," said chairman of the Housing Authority of Gloucester County, William W. Bain, Jr.

The project has a designated office and meeting room space for a social worker to be located on-site, a common area community room, two common area lounges, laundry facilities, and green spaces and is situated within a corridor of centralized service providers who are all part of the RCSJ's Academy of Neurodiversity, with direct access to a comprehensive system of supportive services, creating an integrated model that promotes housing stability, personal development, and long-term independence.

Steve Sweeney, former senate president, said: “The Academy of Neurodiversity offers multiple services on the RCSJ Gloucester Campus, which is literally a corridor of support surrounding the Residence at South College Drive and will directly support the residents. Our special needs community needs and deserves open doors to succeed and live meaningful lives. The twenty-four units in the Residence at South College Drive is a start but is simply not enough."

"RCSJ is honored to have played such an important role in bringing this project to life. As the institution that anchors both the RCSJ Academy for Neurodiversity and the Adult Center for Transition (ACT), we have always made it a priority to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The RCSJ ACT program continues to provide the dedicated social worker who will now assist residents as they settle into their new home. The Residence's location on our campus ensures convenient access to the people and services that make up the RCSJ Academy for Neurodiversity.

I am deeply proud of this collaboration and the commitment it represents. I know that under the leadership of Dr. Brenden Rickards, interim president, RCSJ will continue this important work and further strengthen the College's mission of opportunity for all," said Dr. Fred Keating, RCSJ president emeritus.

This visionary partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and long-term community support for individuals with special needs and was recognized with the Governor's Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Award and the Project of the Year award by the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey (SHA). “The Academy of Neurodiversity and Residence at South College Drive did not just happen; they are the result of hard work from many entities and are both examples of what Gloucester County does so well. We collaborate, work together and get the job done," said Frank DiMarco, director of Gloucester County Board of Commissioners.

The units are supported 100% by Project-Based Housing Choice Vouchers administered by HAGC. Through this program, tenants contribute approximately 30% of their adjusted income toward rent and utilities, while the Housing Choice Voucher Program covers the remaining portion of the contract rent, ensuring long-term affordability for the residents. Further, Gloucester County has also made available HOME Funds to assist residents with security and utility deposits. “HAGC is honored to work with HUD, NJDCA, Gloucester County, Deptford Township, and RCSJ to make this housing a reality for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Housing people is our mission and what we are all about," said HAGC's executive director, Kimberly Gober.​

The project's total development cost was supported by a diverse and committed funding structure:

• $7.365 million from the National Housing Trust Fund, awarded by the NJDCA
• $3.55 million in grant funding from Gloucester County
• $200,000 in HOME funds from Gloucester County
• ​$100,000 from the Township of Deptford​ 

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