Who We are

Building Hope Together: Your Donation, Their Transformation

Garden State Community Development Corporation (GSCDC) was incorporated as Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation in 1986. GSCDC has grown from a small, volunteer-based organization that successfully rehabilitated a vacant Jersey City schoolhouse into a 28-unit low-income rental building (Resurrection House), into the sophisticated, neighborhood-based community development and social services organization it is today.

In addition to Resurrection House, highlights include:

  • new construction of the scattered-site, 88-unit, low-income rental housing Mid-City Project (1995)
  • the hire of its first Executive Director (1997)
  • the acquisition of Corpus Christi Ministries Housing for people living with HIV/AIDS (1998)
  • the start of Opportunity Partners, a job-readiness and training program (1999)
  • the implementation of the Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS) Housing Initiative (2002)
  • the initiation of the Shelter Plus Care program and Hudson Creating Alliances to Shelter All (Hudson CASA) (2003)
  • participation in training and placement activities as part of the National Retail Federation Skills Center Network (2004)
  • the launch of administering the Mainstream Housing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Program for people with ties to Hudson County (2005)
  • institution of the Residential Intensive Support Team (RIST) Program, funded by the NJ Division of Mental Health Services (2009)
  • acquisition PERC Shelter (2013)
  • the beginning of the “I Love Greenville” Community Partnership (2014); the ground breaking of a 12-unit condo project that will target households that make 60-70% of AMI (2023).

Today, GSCDC is the lead agency in ending homelessness in Hudson County, and is the County’s largest provider of permanent supportive low-income rental housing.

Following the acquisition of PERC Shelter in 2013, GSCDC implemented the countywide Homeless Coordinated Entry Program that provides immediate emergency shelter, food, clothing and hygiene products through PERC Shelter and its Jersey City-based Drop-In Center; Rapid Re-housing financial assistance; linkages to Permanent Supportive Housing Programs; medical and mental health services; all with the end goal of obtaining safe, decent, and affordable permanent housing. GSCDC Homeless Programs serve over 3,500 homeless households each year and have successfully housed 6,598 homeless households over the past 10 years.

GSCDC has developed over 344 units of safe, decent, affordable housing in Hudson County while repurposing over 100 abandoned sites that now serve approximately 1,500 LMI people. These units included for-sale condominiums, for-sale 2-family homes, low-income rental units that include 60 units of permanent supportive housing for the homeless, 134 low-income rentals, and affordable commercial space.

GSCDC’s Permanent Supportive Housing includes 60 units (in 9 properties) and 150 housing vouchers for formerly homeless individuals and families with mental/medical disabilities that house and serve over 250 people annually.

Committed to building better communities, GSCDC has spearheaded the “I Love Greenville” Neighborhood Partnership that empowers residents, businesses, and stakeholders to improve their own community as well as bring in new financial resources through a state tax credit program. I Love Greenville serves 750 residents annually in the last affordable neighborhood in Jersey City.

GSCDC is committed to building healthy communities in Hudson County by employing a community development approach and ensuring that the most vulnerable residents can be included. GSCDC envisions itself as Hudson County’s leading service provider that can successfully assist LMI individuals and families maintain a decent life and future while enjoying the many resources and benefits of living so close to New York City. Central to its purpose is the goal of finding people suitable, affordable housing, then facilitating access to resources that will maximize their ability to remain housed, maintain a decent quality of life, and improve the economic prospects of future generations.

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by the number's

Over the last decade, GSCDC

by the number's

Over the last decade, GSCDC

HOUSED

Homeless & At-Risk Individuals

CREATED

Affordable Units To Date

NOW SERVING OVER

Homeless Annually

Who We are

PERC Shelter – Emergency Homeless Housing

Discover how we’re making a difference in the lives of those facing homelessness through our dedicated shelter, PERC (PALISADES EMERGENCY RESIDENCE CORPORATION). At Garden State, our mission is to extend a helping hand to those in need, providing essential services and a safe haven for the homeless.

Our Major Milestones

Explore the significant achievements and progress we’ve made on our journey to support our community. These milestones represent the positive impact we’ve created together.

Garden State Community Development Corporation has been incorporated.

 

Completed rehabilitation of Public School #18 (Jersey City) into Resurrection House

 

Undertook Mid City Project, a scattered site low income rental housing program

 

Garden State Community Development Corporation’s First executive director was hired

 

Acquired Corpus Christi Ministries Housing, Inc. and developed a six-unit building for operations

 

Instituted Opportunity Partners, a job readiness and training program

 

Implemented the Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS) Housing Initiative

 

Initiated Shelter Plus Care program and Hudson Creating Alliances to Shelter All (Hudson CASA) program

 

Offered training and placement activities as part of the National Retail Federation skills center network

 

Began administering the Mainstream Housing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Program for people with ties to Hudson and Essex Counties

Instituted the Residential Intensive Support Team (RIST) Program, funded by the NJ Division of Mental Health Services.

Garden State Community Development Corporation Celebrated 25th year of service

 

Community Planning initiative, Greenville Community Partnership (GCP), has started implementation and begun receiving funds.

GSECDC is now Jersey City’s largest provider of permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities with a total of 95 vouchers that make market rate housing affordable

Mother Earth Festival

Mother Earth Festival

Van Brunt Homes Ribbon Cutting

Van Brunt Homes Ribbon Cutting

Ground Breaking Ceremony

Ground Breaking Ceremony

Halladay Homes Opening

Halladay Homes Opening

Halladay Home 2013

Halladay Home 2013

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

<strong>01</strong> What is Garden State Community Development Corporation (GSCDC)?

GSCDC is a non-profit organization committed to fostering healthy neighborhoods through community development initiatives that empower residents, businesses, government, and the faith-based community.

<strong>02</strong> Does GSCDC offer housing assistance programs?

Yes, GSCDC provides housing assistance programs to help individuals and families in need of affordable housing options. Check our website for eligibility and application details.

<strong>03</strong> What types of programs and services does Garden State offer?

We offer a range of programs, including affordable housing initiatives, educational support, workforce development, and small business resources, designed to uplift and strengthen our community.