Address:
Edith Pagan
HOPE VI CSS Coordinator
Housing Authority of the City of Camden
721 Chelton Avenue
Camden, New Jersey 08104
General Fax Number: (856) 968-6175
Telephone: (856) 968-2668
E-mail: epagan@camdenhousing.org
Staff Listing:
Irma Sanchez
Administrative Assistant
Telephone: (856) 831-0385
E-mail: isanchez@camdenhousing.org
Jamesetta Nobles-Blackshear
Outreach Worker
Telephone: (856) 968-2664
Email: jnobles@camdenhousing.org
HOPE VI is a US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initiative to transform the most distressed public housing projects in the nation and works on both improving the physical quality of public housing and expanding the opportunities of its residents. It represents the most dramatic change of direction in the history of U.S. public housing policy. In May 2000, HACC applied to HUD for HOPE VI funding. The funding was approved and the money has been used for a variety of purposes.
Mission Statement
The mission of the HOPE VI Department is to remove barriers in attaining economic self-sufficiency for our residents by providing or obtaining adequate supportive services and increased opportunities for an improved quality of life.
Baldwin's Run
The Centerpiece of the HOPE VI is Baldwin's Run, the community of 197 new homes that are being built on the site of the former Westfield Acres. This revitalization effort also includes providing supportive services to almost 300 former residents of Westfield Acres, with an emphasis on employment initiatives and youth programs.
McGuire Gardens
The McGuire Gardens Public Housing development was constructed in 1954 in East Camden. The redevelopment of this property is broken into a two-phase construction process. Phase 1 has 65 newly developed homes and 76 rehabilitated homes for a total of 141 homes. Phase II has 10 new homes and 102 rehabilitated homes for a total of 112 homes.
Roosevelt Manor
MORE INFORMATION COMING.....
Primary Objectives
In addition to housing services, the HOPE VI program also provides supportive services and community building efforts. The HACC together with our residents and community partners are working to build safer, dynamic, caring communities. Our mission is focused on four specific activities:
• Providing opportunity for employment.
• Providing opportunity for education.
• Meeting the needs of families.
• Engaging residents in the life and prospects of the community.
• Below are some specific initiatives that are being done within our program.
Education
Social workers and outreach workers empower our clients to achieve self-sufficiency by obtaining their GED by developing a trade, which can include carpentry, painting and masonry.
Employment
Our Job Developer is responsible for assisting the residents' in completing their professional resumes. HOPE VI partners with other agencies such as the Board of Social Services and the ONE STOP to inform residents about employment opportunities and the availability of resources. Rowan University joined with HOPE VI residents to educate and assist them in writing their resumes and cover letters and developing good interviewing skills. HOPE VI also partners with agencies that provide training for Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Home Health Aides, Computer Literacy, and Child Care Providers. The partnership with Camden County Improvement Authority also provides transportation to residents in need of transportation to and from work.
Entrepreneurship
In addition to traditional job opportunities, our social workers and outreach workers supply information and training on entrepreneurship. In particular, we have partnered with The Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA) and Catholic Charities Entrepreneurship Training. The Culinary Arts Training provided by American Community Partnerships (ACP) is another opportunity available to our residents.
Health
We have a registered nurse on staff that deals directly with our senior citizens and disabled residents. Regular visits are made to our residents and we assist in scheduling and keeping medical appointments.
Transportation
As a last resort, we provide transportation for our residents so that they can get to doctor's offices, work, the Social Security Office, job interviews, job fairs and any other activities that will help them become self-sufficient.
Other Services
Social workers continuously assess the needs of our residents through assessment tools. They are available to aid the residents and to help them problem solve through home or office visits. Referrals are made to the appropriate agencies depending upon the individual's needs. They are referred for credit counseling, mental health issues, drug and alcohol issues, legal services, childcare agencies, emergency services, parenting skills, and housekeeping issues, depending upon their specific situation.