WinnDevelopment and Soldier On have broken ground on an 84-unit supportive housing development for veterans 55 and older in West Deptford, New Jersey.
The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans and Seniors Village will feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom units that will be universally adaptable to support aging in place and independent living. This marks the third project between WinnDevelopment, the development arm of WinnCompanies, and Soldier On in New Jersey and their fifth partnership nationally.
“The state of New Jersey has made veterans housing a priority, and we are proud to work with Soldier On to advance this important public policy goal,” said David Ginsberg, senior vice president at WinnDevelopment. “The support this development has received from partners at all levels of government is inspiring.”
Soldier On is a nonprofit that partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies to provide veterans with shelter and support.
“Soldier On is pleased to partner once again with WinnCompanies and the state of New Jersey in advancing our mission to end veteran homelessness within the state. This collaborative initiative has demonstrated both necessity and success, serving as an effective model for providing permanent solutions to veteran homelessness in New Jersey,” added Soldier On CEO Bruce Buckley.
The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans and Seniors Village, which is scheduled to open in October 2026, will provide 21 units at or less than 30% of the area median income (AMI), 21 units at or less than 50% of the AMI, and 42 units at or less than 60% of the AMI. In addition, the Housing Authority of Gloucester County has awarded 21 project-based vouchers.
Residents will have access to wraparound services for veterans facing physical and mental health challenges. The 84,720-square-foot building will include space for telehealth appointments as well as for private meetings with case managers and outside service providers. In addition, communal spaces, such as a community room with a cafe and kitchenette, will foster a sense of camaraderie. Additional features tailored toward veterans include a columbarium for final resting place arrangements, an eternal flame and memorial flag area, as well as green space and outdoor gathering areas.
The development will be designed and built to passive house certification, with a geothermal system delivering renewable heating and cooling. Additional sustainability features will include a rooftop solar array, a tight building envelope, low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, and Energy Star appliances.
Funding for the $29 million development comes from a variety of public and private institutions. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency provided construction and permanent financing as well as a low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) allocation and subsidy, while the New Jersey Economic Development Authority awarded state credits. Bank of America is the construction lender and tax credit investor. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) secured a Community Project Fund Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. West Deptford Township approved funds from its Affordable Housing Trust as well as a PILOT agreement. Additional supporters include Liberty Mutual, Gloucester County, and The Home Depot Foundation.
Del-Sano Contracting serves as general contractor, with PS&S Architects and Engineers as architect and Berman Indictor as transaction counsel.