Mahwah Commons

The affordable housing shortage profoundly affects more than 40% of the callers to our 2-1-1 helpline. They don’t earn enough despite working – many more than one job – to afford to live here. Rents and other costs are so high that one unexpected car repair bill, or one unexpected medical bill (most have no health insurance), and the rent check is delayed. Financial crisis follows, so increasing the supply of homes people can afford makes sense as a crisis prevention strategy.

That’s why Bergen County’s United Way is building affordable housing (though we prefer to call it Housing Works) hand in glove with municipal governments and with the support of communities. Our housing looks great, is well built, and is remarkably affordable.

We’ve formed the BCUW/Madeline Partnership to handle all aspects of development. The Madeline Corporation, led by second-generation housing developer, Shari DePalma, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing affordable housing for seniors, families and individuals with special needs.

To date, BCUW/Madeline has participated in the development of 193 units of affordable housing in 10 separate projects located throughout Bergen County.

The impact of our housing is far reaching – the children succeeding in school without disruption, the seniors and disabled who are now living independently and, for low-income working families able to purchase an affordable unit, the creation of new taxpayers and homeowners with pride and an equity stake in the community. We help families achieve the stability that comes with having a place to call home.