Family Service Breaks Ground on Supportive Housing Residence: Local Leaders Move Project Forward

Oct. 6, 2010 - PRLog -- Evesham, NJ- Family Service broke ground yesterday on a new, affordable supportive housing residence in Evesham for three women with disabilities. The new home will take the place of an old barn which was torn down in July of 2008 and make way for new housing for individuals at risk of homelessness. Construction on the new three bedroom two bath home, will begin this week and be completed by spring of 2011.

Family Service acquired the barn and the neighboring property in January of 2008 from Senior Solutions Inc. Funding for the new home is provided by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Burlington County Community Development Office and the Township of Evesham’s affordable housing trust fund.

Local leaders from Family Service, Evesham Township, Burlington County, Lammey & Giorgio and Glendale Builders shared their excitement to move forward with the project. Director of Housing Development for Family Service, Anna Payanzo, says, “This project is result of years of commitment on the part of many community leaders. They have helped us better serve our consumers by creating renewed opportunities for recovery and stability. At this site, we are will have helped seven people attain the simple dream of having a place to call home.”

Supportive housing residents commit to making positive changes in their lives through treatment. The program provides rental assistance, opportunities for peer support, assistance with budgeting, illness management and education/workforce skills development. Individuals learn to utilize local resources such as banks, churches, grocery store and recreational facilities.

President and CEO of Family Service, Bob Pekar, adds, “The essential combination of treatment and supportive housing services for the mentally ill ensures individuals have the skills and basic needs necessary to live full, meaningful lives. At Family Service, our role remains to help each person make healthy choices, achieve personal goals and eventually reach his or her potential.”

Since 1997, Family Service has developed 79 supportive housing properties in Burlington and Camden Counties, currently serving over 140 adults in a combination of condominiums, apartments and shared-living environments.  Additionally, Family Service provides residential and group home services at 35 locations throughout southern New Jersey.  This past year, over 300 individuals accessed Family Service residential services.

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Family Service, a private, non-profit community agency, offers over sixty programs in nine counties to meet the behavioral health and wellness needs of children, families and individuals in southern and central New Jersey.