A 70-unit private apartment complex for military veterans, some of whom are homeless, is set to open up this month. It's one of the first private veterans' communities in the United States to offer rental housing to veterans of all incomes, and it includes comprehensive services that help move the former service members to eventually become homeowners.

Officials from the federal, state, county and local governments gathered today at the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community to commemorate the opening of this $23 million complex which solely serves veterans earning roughly around 30-80% of the area median income (AMI). 
Developed by WinnCompanies and Soldier On, the community includes the following unique features:

• Eighteen apartments are available at rents up to 80% of AMI, which is unusual because most veteran's communities only serve low-income households. It creates affordable housing for those with service-connected disabilities who would otherwise be disqualified from traditional affordable housing;

• Dedicated laundry and gathering areas for female veterans, giving them greater privacy;

• Free supportive programs such as telehealth, homeownership guidance, credit counseling, legal help and telehealth resources. 

• There is also a columbarium with an eternal flame near the back patio for the respectful internment of ashes of veterans who wish to be buried on-site after passing away.

In addition to 18 middle-income apartments, the community also offers deeply affordable units, with 18 available to veterans who earn nearly 30% of AMI and 24 at up to 50% of AMI. 

The project was financed by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), which provided construction and permanent financing through its Agency Revenue Bond Financing Program and a subsidy mortgage loan commitment from its Multifamily Rental Housing Production Fund. 

Bank of America provided the low-income housing tax credit equity. The community, built on 12 acres of wooden parcels, was donated by the Borough of Tinton Falls. "We are delighted that Soldier On is coming to Tinton Falls," Borough Council members said in a statement.

The four-story apartment building met Energy Star Multifamily New Construction Standards, including low carbon intensity. Environmentally-friendly features include ENERGY STAR windows, continuous exterior insulation, LED lighting, ENERGY STAR appliances and low-flow fixtures.

In collaboration with Soldier On, WinnResidential, the property management arm of WinnCompanies, will manage the center. WinnResidential Military Housing Services manages 41,000 homes for troops at military installations in 12 states. The center also takes care of 16 other properties, including around 1995 apartments in 11 New Jersey communities.