Commissioners dedicate new supportive housing center to end homelessness in Camden County

Gloucester Township, NJ) – On Friday, the Board of Commissioners dedicated a new supportive housing center in their journey to reduce homelessness to functional zero. Over the last two years, construction on the $22 million Martin F. McKernan Jr. Supportive Housing Center has been ongoing near the county’s Lakeland complex to develop a 60-unit housing center that will be a place of compassion and service to help individuals get back on their feet. The multipurpose facility will be operated by the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) and is outfitted with all the necessary amenities to support anyone experiencing homelessness.

Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. highlighted the facility’s offerings, which will support individuals experiencing homelessness through a housing-first approach, coupled with wraparound services. 

“This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to help and shelter more people living on the fringes of our community and give them a shot at redemption and stability. Now more than ever, as the White House has continued to shirk its responsibility to the most vulnerable, this is our effort to fill in that gap,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr, liaison to the Division of Community Development. “The McKernan Center will support those who need a helping hand take the necessary steps and receive the essential support they need to find stability.”

The 45,000 square-foot complex will dedicate 50 transitional units for people who need housing for up to two years as they get connected to health care benefits and other social services, which includes obtaining new licenses and other identification documents, as well as mental health support and job placement. The remaining ten units will be utilized on an emergency basis.

Kathy White-Thomas, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley discussed VOADV’s ongoing partnership with the Board of Commissioners in the effort to end homelessness in Camden County. 

“The Martin F. McKernan, Jr. Supportive Housing Community is the next chapter in the ongoing story of Camden County’s commitment to supporting its residents, in meeting them where they are, and in providing the best possible service to them,” said Kathy White-Thomas, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley. “VOADV is honored to be a part of this next chapter. We value the partnership the County Commissioners have shown us across decades, and we look forward to continuing the important work of serving the Camden County community.” 

The facility will serve as a sister operation to the Regan Center, also located in the Lakeland Complex, that has been operating 23 shelter beds since 2021. During the initial five years of operation, the Regan Center served 297 guests, including 200 emergency shelter guests and 97 medical respite guests.

The McKernan Center is one component of the Camden County Board of Commissioners’ six-point plan to combat and ultimately eliminate homelessness in Camden County. Established in 2017 in partnership with the Camden County Office of Homeless Services, the plan focuses on policy, people, partnerships, prevention, programs, and places. It brings together municipalities, community organizations, policymakers, service providers, and individuals with lived experience to work toward the goal of achieving functional zero homelessness by 2030. Functional zero is reached when the number of people experiencing homelessness, both sheltered and unsheltered, is no greater than the monthly rate of housing placements.

Congressman Donald Norcross applauded Camden County’s commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.

“Everybody, no matter their circumstances, deserves a safe place to rest their head at night and build they life they want to live. Today’s ribbon cutting represents another step towards making that a reality here in Camden County,” Rep. Norcross said. “Homelessness can be a lonely experience, so it’s heartening to see our local officials here in South Jersey extend a hand to ensure our neighbors don’t get left behind. That’s the same type of compassionate attitude my late friend Martin McKernan exhibited every day in our community, and I know he would be proud to have his name attached to something that will help so many in our community.”

The McKernan Supportive Housing Center is named in honor of longtime diocesan attorney and public servant Martin F. McKernan Jr., who passed away in 2021. George E. Norcross III, Chairman of Cooper Norcross Health and longtime friend of McKernan highlighted his legacy of kindness and service.

“Marty McKernan shared his grace and kindness with everyone he met, regardless of who they were, what they did, or where they were in their lives,” Norcross said. “My family was lucky to call him the closest and dearest of friends and we are pleased that his legacy will continue with the deduction of a new supportive housing community, a perfect way to honor his legacy of caring about people and helping them when they most need it.” 

McKernan served five bishops throughout his tenure working for the church and was a member of the executive committee of the National Diocesan Attorneys Association. Martin also served as a member of the Public Policy Committee of the New Jersey Catholic Conference and was also instrumental in establishing an area Saint Thomas More Society, working with then-Bishop James T. McHugh.  

Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer emphasized the importance of providing residents experiencing homelessness with access to safe, stable housing and supportive services.

“Gloucester Township is proud to be home to the Martin F. McKernan, Jr. Supportive Housing Community, where safe, stable housing and essential support services will help individuals rebuild their lives and work toward a more independent future,” said Gloucester Township Mayor David R. Mayer. “Homelessness doesn’t stop at municipal boundaries, and this project demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together. I thank the Camden County Board of Commissioners and everyone who helped create this opportunity for stability, dignity and hope.”