Homeless Housing In Hopelawn Will Not Be A 'Shelter,' Will Be Permanent Housing, YMCA Says

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Steve Jobin, president/CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, said it is inaccurate to describe what is coming to Hopelawn as a homeless "shelter."

The intention is this will be permanent housing for people who are homeless, have lost their homes in a fire or are fleeing domestic violence, he said this week.

The building will consist of 28 apartment units, with 40 beds total. Each unit will have its own kitchen.

"To clarify, the project we are currently developing is not a shelter," Jobin said this week. "While there is a significant need for additional shelter space within the county — an area we hope to address in the future — this specific initiative focuses on permanent housing ... If this project proceeds as planned, it will provide high-quality, supportive, permanent affordable housing for qualified individuals."

The building will be located in the Hopelawn section of Woodbridge, but Jobin declined to say exactly where. However, Hopelawn residents say it's coming to the corner of Loretta Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The building used to be owned by Ralph Mocci, a prominent Woodbridge developer.

Jobin said the people who will be staying there should have privacy.

"Many of our residences are ... 'protected populations,' including domestic violence survivors, vulnerable seniors, fire victims and displaced families," he said. "To ensure the safety and anonymity of those we serve, we maintain a strict policy against commenting on the specific locations or individuals assisted through our programs."

Woodbridge and the city of Perth Amboy will help pay for the building using state and county funds. The building will provide 40 beds for people experiencing sudden homelessness in Woodbridge and Perth Amboy, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac said in his March 30 State of the Township.

However, Jobin and Woodbridge Township are still remaining tight-lipped about details, such as who owns the building and how much the two towns are paying for it.

"Because this is a complex real estate transaction, we are not in a position to discuss specific details publicly at this time," Jobin told Patch this week.

Earlier this week: Woodbridge Plans To Open Homeless Housing In Hopelawn Section