$10,000 grant helped fund the recent affordable housing project in Morristown
Oak Ridge, N.J. – Nov. 6, 2019 – Lakeland Bank awarded a $10,000 Housing Impact Grant to Homeless Solutions, Inc. (HSI) earlier this year to help fund the non-profit’s recently completed affordable housing project in Morristown, N.J.
“The Bank’s Housing Impact Grant was designed to support solutions that help eradicate homelessness and promote affordable housing programs in the communities we serve,” said Thomas Shara, President and CEO of Lakeland Bank. “HSI has been an indispensable partner to many people in the Morris County community that have rebuilt their lives and returned to independent living, and we are pleased to support their housing project.”
“We are delighted our partners at Lakeland Bank have invested in this special eight-unit project in Morristown. They realize the critical role Homeless Solutions plays in delivering attractive, affordable housing for homeless families right here in our community,” said Stephanie M. Cicale, Chief Development Officer of Homeless Solutions.
A great example of Homeless Solutions success is the MLK Avenue Apartments. The project, a new eight-apartment building straddling the border of Morristown and Morris Township, was completed in early October. This project is prioritized for special needs households, and offers a pair of four-bedroom apartments, another first for HSI, which seeks to offer options for larger families. HSI held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 25 to mark the completion of the project, and residents will begin taking up residence in mid-November.
A private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, HSI has been helping those in need since 1983. The HSI philosophy is “A Hand Up, Not a Handout” and since its inception, has offered shelter, services and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County, New Jersey. In 2018, HSI served over 676 people by providing emergency shelter, transitional housing and outreach services to those individuals ready to exit the programs. Their case managers offer the support needed to help their guests rebuild their lives and successfully return to independent living. HSI also develops permanent supportive housing that is energy efficient for very low, low, and moderate-income families and individuals.
About the Grant Process
The program is non-competitive with no public solicitations for applications. Prospective recipients and their programs are nominated for consideration for a grant based upon an internal nomination process designed specifically for this program. Eligible organizations that provide the following services within the Bank’s assessment areas will be considered:
- Financial independence
- Homelessness solutions and affordable housing programs
- Education programs offering financial skill sets
- Youth programs and services including childcare and afterschool programs
- Emergency services including food, shelter and clothing
- Health and well-being services
About Lakeland Bank
Lakeland Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:LBAI), which has over $6 billion in total assets. With an extensive branch network and commercial lending centers throughout New Jersey and Highland Mills, N.Y., the Bank offers business and retail banking products and services. Business services include commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, loans for healthcare services, asset-based lending, equipment financing, small business loans and lines, and cash management services. Consumer services include online and mobile banking, home equity loans and lines, mortgage options and wealth management solutions. Lakeland is proud to be recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Banks by Forbes and Statista, rated a 5-Star Bank by Bauer Financial and named one of New Jersey’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies by NJBIZ. Visit LakelandBank.com for more information.
