Sunrise Village: More Than Housing, A Foundation for the Future.
PERTH AMBOY, NJ — The Raritan Bay Area YMCA proudly celebrated the opening of Sunrise Village, a new affordable and supportive housing community designed to provide individuals and families with more than a place to live—a safe, stable home and access to the resources and support they need to build a stronger future.
YMCA board members, leadership, and staff joined local leaders, dignitaries, community partners, and stakeholders to mark the opening and celebrate an important milestone in the Y’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness and housing instability throughout the community.
“Affordable housing is essential to building strong, inclusive communities where people have the opportunity to live, work and thrive,” said Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac. “We are proud to partner with the YMCA and our fellow government and community partners to help make Sunrise Village a reality and expand housing opportunities for those who need them most.”
Sunrise Village is a fully affordable and supportive housing community designed to meet residents where they are. In addition to housing, tenants will have access to the YMCA’s network of supportive and wraparound services focused on long-term stability, health, and overall well-being.
“Housing is the foundation for healthier families, stronger communities and greater opportunity,” said Lou Seminski, Chairman of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA Board of Volunteers. “Sunrise Village is about more than providing an affordable place to live. It is about creating stability, connecting people with support and giving our neighbors an opportunity to build a stronger future.”
For the City of Perth Amboy, the opening also represents the continued growth of a longtime community organization whose work extends beyond traditional YMCA programs to address some of the most pressing needs facing local residents.
“A safe, stable home changes what is possible for an individual or family,” said Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba. “Sunrise Village turns partnership into results by providing affordable homes, supportive services and a clear path toward long-term stability. Perth Amboy is proud to support the Raritan Bay Area YMCA and the partners who made this community possible.”
The development was made possible through collaboration with the Township of Woodbridge, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Middlesex County and the City of Perth Amboy, along with community partners and stakeholders who share the YMCA’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing.
“Sunrise Village is a wonderful example of what can happen when community organizations and government work together with a shared purpose,” said Colleen Velez of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. “Creating affordable housing is about creating opportunity and stability for New Jersey residents, and we are proud to support efforts that help individuals and families build stronger, more secure futures.”
The opening of Sunrise Village represents another step forward in the Raritan Bay Area YMCA’s broader efforts to prevent and end homelessness. Through housing initiatives and the YMCA’s Center for Support, Success & Prosperity, the organization provides individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability with case management, benefits navigation, access to basic needs and other essential resources.
“The County is proud to once again partner with the YMCA to help make this project a reality and expand access to affordable housing for individuals and families with the greatest need,” said Melissa Bellamy, Head of Middlesex County Division of Housing, Community Development, and Social Services “Sunrise Village represents an important step forward in creating more affordable housing opportunities and ensuring that residents at all income levels have access to a safe, stable place to call home.”
As Sunrise Village welcomes its residents, the Raritan Bay Area YMCA remains committed to creating communities where every neighbor has access to the stability, resources and opportunities they need to move forward.
About the Y:
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.rbaymca.org
Media Contact:
Querube Ramos
Director of Communications, Marketing & Development
732.442.3632 x6526
qramos@rbaymca.org
