Community Investment Strategies, Inc. Fills Local Need for Supportive Housing in West Cape May, N.J

Cape Manor Earns Project of the Year Award. End Quote

Trenton-Ewing, NJ (1888PressRelease) June 04, 2011 - Cape Manor, a completed supportive housing apartment residence developed by Community Investment Strategies, Inc. (CIS) of Lawrenceville, N.J., is filling a unique community need - affordable, permanent housing for adults with developmental disabilities throughout Cape May County, N.J. Construction of the 3,385-square-foot residence was completed late last year, and the community has been recognized for its private, residential environment, supportive services, strategic location and positioning within this shore-resort community.

"Cape Manor is the result of a shared grassroots vision to establish residential housing for individuals with developmental disabilities, including young adults with autism," said Barbara Schoor, CIS' vice president. "Cape Manor's designs, services and programs address the diverse physical, cognitive, lifestyle and financial needs of its tenants within an established neighborhood, in close proximity to family and familiar surroundings."

Located at 339 Fifth Ave. in West Cape May, Cape Manor reflects the character and designs of this quaint single-family residential neighborhood, which was originally conceptualized by the Borough of West Cape May. Officials there selected Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, a special needs housing and service provider, to own and manage the property, and CIS, a certified woman-owned real estate organization, to develop and construct the residence. Financing was provided by New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, New Jersey Departments of Community Affairs and Mental Health Services and the Borough of Cape May. The borough also donated the 4.5-acre land parcel for the project.

"This collective public-private partnership and turn-key approach are the foundation for Cape Manor's past, and future, success," said Mayor Pamela Kaithern of West Cape May.

"Municipalities across New Jersey will increasingly need to address affordable supportive housing solutions to satisfy that segment of the population," added Christiana Foglio, CIS' founder and chief executive officer. "Cape Manor is a terrific example of what is possible, both in terms of scale and design, to provide a residential option that helps people with special needs enjoy quality, productive lifestyles within a specific community."

The project also has been recognized by the Corporation for Supportive Housing and the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey. Cape Manor was named the "Supportive Housing Project of the Year" at the 12th Annual New Jersey Supportive Housing Conference.

Designed by Kitchen & Associates, the two-story Cape Manor has seven private efficiency units that support an independent living environment. Each unit has a private bathroom, kitchen, closet space, bedroom and living area, with on-site laundry facilities. The building's ground-floor community room, large front porch and balcony are ideal for gatherings and entertaining.

Due to its close proximity to nearby Cape May City, and local beaches, transportation, recreational facilities, restaurants and retail shops, Cape Manor's residents have access to an array of employment and convenience and lifestyle services.

CIS and its professionals are widely acknowledged for developing the most appropriate low-to-moderate income housing options. Established as a for-profit woman-owned business enterprise (WBE), certified by the New Jersey Economic Growth Commission, the company is a member of several national, regional and local industry groups, including the National Association of Home Builders, Institute of Real Estate Management, New Jersey Apartment Association and New Jersey Builders Association.

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