The soaring cost of living is leaving a rising number of people with no place to live as Camden County’s homeless population rate has spiked in recent years. But, officials hope that a unique project going up in Gloucester Township will help remove some barriers to housing. “It represent s hope,” Camden County Improvement Authority’s Jennifer Bonaccorsi said. “It has like a nice community element. There’s support for the individuals as needed. But then they also have an independence to be able to come and go.” Camden County is building a massive 43,000 square foot supportive housing center that will include 60 efficiency apartments for people experiencing homelessness. Officials say that 50 of the units will be used for transitional housing and 10 will be designated for emergencies. “Just to get back on their feet. Get back into life and stuff,” Chris Tassi, with the Camden County Improvement Authority, explained. “They’re small, but they have everything you need. You can cook, place to sleep and a nice place to shower.” The supportive housing center will operate around the clock every day and will include community space as well as conference rooms. The $22 million project is going up as Camden County grapples with a growing homeless population which increased 20% since 2020. “As far as we know, there’s not a facility like this in New Jersey, which is operated by a county or governmental entity. We’re the first one in the state to do it,” Camden County Commissioner Louis Cappelli Jr. said. “The need is definitely growing with the affordability crisis that has taken place this year.” Community outreach organizations that assist the unhoused will connect residents with the program, then Camden County will provide transportation to get them here. The facility is expected to welcome its first residents by the summer of 2026. ...read more read less