HOPE VI Department
The Goals of HOPE VI
To remove barriers in attaining economic self-sufficiency for our residents by providing,
or obtaining adequate support 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.
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.
For more information about HOPE VI contact:
Charles Valentine, Program Manager
(856) 831-0134 | cvalentine@camdenhousing.org
For more information about Community Support Services at HOPE VI
contact:
Edith Pagan, CSS Coordinator
(856) 831-0401 | epagan@camdenhousing.org