Camden County is set to open a $22 million, 43,000‐sq‐ft supportive housing center in Gloucester Township, a bold response to a 20% surge in the county’s homeless population since 2020.
The Facility and Its Purpose
The new center will span 43,000 square feet and house 60 efficiency apartments. Fifty of those units are earmarked for transitional housing, while ten will serve as emergency shelters. The complex will operate 24/7 and will feature community space and conference rooms.
Funding, Capacity, and Voices
“It represents hope,” said Camden County Improvement Authority’s Jennifer Bonaccorsi. “It has like a nice community element. There’s support for the individuals as needed. But then they also have an independence to be able to come and go.”
“Just to get back on their feet. Get back into life and stuff,” explained Chris Tassi of the Camden County Improvement Authority. “They’re small, but they have everything you need. You can cook, place to sleep and a nice place to shower.”
The $22 million project is the first of its kind in New Jersey operated by a county. Camden County Commissioner Louis Cappelli Jr. noted, “As far as we know, there’s not a facility like this in New Jersey, which is operated by a county or governmental entity. We’re the first one in the state to do it. The need is definitely growing with the affordability crisis that has taken place this year.”
Timeline and Community Outreach
Community outreach organizations will connect unhoused residents with the program, and Camden County will provide transportation to the center. The facility is expected to welcome its first residents by the summer of 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Camden County is building a 43,000‐sq‐ft, $22 million supportive housing center.
- The center will contain 60 efficiency apartments: 50 for transitional housing and 10 for emergencies.
- The first residents are slated to move in during summer 2026.
The project represents a significant step toward addressing the county’s growing homelessness crisis, offering residents independence, support, and a path back to stability.
