Bridgeton, NJ – On Thursday, November 17, 2022, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the grand opening of Village of Hope – a new transitional housing program located in Bridgeton, NJ adjacent to Kintock’s residential reentry facility.

Initially established as a one-year pilot program in coordination with the New Jersey State Parole Board,Village of Hope is comprised of six, 100-square-foot tiny homes and designed to support the reentry needs of eligible individuals on parole. The program offers a safe, stable environment and needed supports for adults transitioning out of the criminal justice system to set them on a path towards long-term, sustained success.

Upon acceptance into the program,Village of Hope residents are permitted to reside in one of the six private, climate-controlled transitional homes for up to 180 days, free of charge under the condition that they continue to meet various pre-established program objectives/goals. During their time in the program, residents will also have access to shared bathroom facilities, an outdoor picnic area and a community room, which is equipped with WIFI and TV services and features a fully stocked kitchenette, courtesy of Gateway CAP.

In addition to accommodations, each Village of Hope resident will also receive assistance navigating the reentry process from trained professionals from Gateway CAP, Kintock and the Reentry Coalition of New Jersey in the following areas:

· Assessment and procurement of identification (i.e., driver’s license)

· Employment placement and assistance services

· Financial and budgeting assistance

· Guidance and placement in permanent housing

· Rental assistance services

· Connection to social services and health and wellness resources

· Access to transportation services

· Procurement of supportive technology – (i.e.,) smartphones, tablets, etc.

Kintock will oversee the day-to-day operations of Village of Hope – maintaining a regular, daily presence at the community, ensuring the safety and security of residents and addressing any maintenance or housekeeping concerns.

“Individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system often lack safe, suitable and affordable housing options all of which are crucial to successful reentry,” said Walter Simpkins, President, Chairman and CEO of The Kintock Group. “We are pleased to partner with Gateway Community Action Partnership and the Reentry Coalition of New Jersey to offer New Jersey a one-of-a-kind Transitional Housing Program at our Bridgeton location. This new venture will provide stability for program participants who are returning to the community.

Most important, in addition to addressing their immediate housing concern, participants will have access to critical services such as employment placement, health and wellness support and assistance securing permanent housing to further promote their reentry efforts,” he added.

In addition to the supportive services provided by The Kintock Group and Gateway CAP, the Reentry Coalition of New Jersey has committed to provide funding to support Village of Hoperesidents throughout their duration in the program, as well as funding for rental assistance to help each resident’s transition into safe, stable permanent housing.

Village of Hope is a collaborative effort between The Kintock Group, Gateway Community Action Partnership (Gateway CAP) and the Reentry Coalition of New Jersey, with additional support from the New Jersey State Parole Board, City of Bridgeton and local law enforcement and first responders.

For more information on Village of Hope, visit: https://www.kintock.org/village-of-hope

The Kintock Group, Gateway Community Action Partnership and the Reentry Coalition of New Jersey.