The Trenton House Authority (THA) and City of Trenton are pleased to announce the receipt of a $15 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant, which will be instrumental in the community’s redevelopment efforts. The check was presented to members of the Trenton Housing Authority on Monday, August 26th at the Donnelly Homes Gymnasium. This massive milestone was highlighted by remarks from a panel of guest speakers who were integral in bringing this initiative to Trenton, including Jelani Garrett, Executive Director, THA, Mayor Reed Gusciora, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, the Honorable Dr. Kimberly McClaim, Assistant Secretary Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, and Alicka Amrpy-Samuel, HUD Regional Director.

“This $15 million grant marks a pivotal moment for the city’s residents,” said Sen. Corey Booker. “This funding, part of a larger investment from the Biden-Harris Administration to revitalize seven communities across the nation, will expand access to safe, affordable housing. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive in their community, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on Trenton’s future.”

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) expressed similar sentiments, stating “As New Jersey’s sole appropriator, I am proud to see $15 million in federal housing support flowing into our community. The Trenton Housing Authority will use this crucial infusion of resources to support Trentonians and New Jerseyans who need help most. Affordable, accessible housing is a fundamental human right, and I am grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for providing this funding and support for our communities.”

Jelani Garret, Executive Director of the Trenton Housing Authority, highlighted the significance of this achievement, saying, “This funding represents substantial progress towards our goal of $50 million. It underscores the dedication and collaboration of our team, residents, and community partners throughout this rigorous process. The journey to securing this funding demonstrates our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.”

Broader Initiative by the Biden-Harris Administration 

This grant is part of a broader initiative by the Biden-Harris Administration and HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman, who announced $325 in Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant funding to seven communities nationwide. These grants aim to revitalize neighborhoods be redeveloping distressed housing, offering high-quality mixed-income options, and providing essential services focused on income, health, and education for residents. President Biden and HUD Acting Secretary Todman emphasize that this funding is an investment in buildings, infrastructure, and people committed to building neighborhoods where everyone has the chance to thrive.

“This is great news for the Capital City,” said Mayor Reed Gusciora. “This grant will be a catalyst for positive change in the North Ward Battle Monument neighborhood. It will not only provide better housing options, but also improve the overall quality of life for our residents. By investing in our communities, we are fostering an environment in which economic development can thrive and create opportunities for all Trentonians. We are grateful to the Biden Administration for recognizing the potential of Trenton and supporting our efforts to build a brighter future for our city.”

“Thanks to close collaboration with residents and stakeholders, our approach reflects the heart of our community. This funding is about so much more than buildings; it is about enhancing residents’ lives and creating new opportunities for everyone in our community to thrive. We are proud of this milestone, and we are motivated to reach the next one,” said Chrysti Huff, THA’s Director of Redevelopment.

Looking Ahead

THA is now focused on assessing how this funding will impact the project scope. IN the coming weeks, detailed updates will be provided as discussions with HUD continue and additional funding opportunities are explored. The Choice Neighborhoods program has led to new businesses, parks, and grocery stores in historically disinvested neighborhoods nationwide. Resident incomes are increasing across most sites, in some cases doubling. The seven new Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grantees will collectively development over 6,500 new mixed-income units, including the one-for-one replacement of 2,677 several distressed public housing units.

A Comprehensive Approach to Community Investment

Choice Neighborhoods is HUD’s signature program and the largest place-based program in the federal government, emphasizing a comprehensive “Housing, People, and Neighborhood” approach to community investment. It supports cities nationwide in expanding affordable housing options and improving neighborhood amenities, leveraging public and private resources to achieve local goals. New grants are being awarded to cities in Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Nevada, New York, and New Jersey, while an additional $19.5 million is being allocated to current grantees in Arizona, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

To achieve their local goals, grantees leverage the funds they receive from HUD with other public and private resources. The seven new awardees will collectively investment more than $2.65 billion in additional resources within the Choice Neighborhood area – so that every $1 in HUD funds with generate $8.65 in additional resources.

“You cannot overstate the transformative nature of Choice Neighborhoods investments in these communities. These awards are made in neighborhoods in the greatest need, but awardees demonstrate the vision, diligence, and capacity to leverage these funds to expand housing supply and provide vital resources to residents,” said Richard J. Monocchio, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.

About Trenton Housing Authority: 

THA is an autonomous body that is chartered by the City of Trenton and the State of New Jersey, with partial funding by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, the THA is committed to providing decent, safe, and sanitary housing that is thoroughly constructed, carefully maintained, and expertly managed. The THA seeks to identify projects that have the potential to act as a catalyst for the revitalization of neighborhoods in the City of Trenton. In an effort to promote self-sufficiency among the families that reside in its communities, the THA partners with local agencies and organizations to provide education, training, employment, and business opportunities for its residents.

For more information, visit tha-nj.org.

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