The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs awarded a $985,000 grant to the East Trenton Collaborative to restore the neighborhood.
ETC member CityWorks is set to administer the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit grant. ETC is comprised of nonprofit groups that aim to improve East Trenton.
CityWorks executive director Tom Clark said ETC member organizations will use the grant to continue support programs, such as providing social services and educational opportunities, and helping to create jobs. Additionally, CityWorks plans to use the money to refurbish homes and businesses, supply hungry children with food, and promote economic opportunity.
New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group, Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies and Reuters News Service contributed to East Trenton’s grant. Companies that fund NRTC grants receive a 100 percent tax credit against various state taxes in return for investing in revitalization of low and moderate-income neighborhoods in eligible cities.
ETC member HomeFront plans to use the grant to fund the staff that has been located in East Trenton for three years. Executive director Connie Mercer said in a statement said that with funding the organization can make a profound and life-changing difference to the women and children within this community who come to us seeking help.”
The East Trenton neighborhood is in the North Ward of Trenton—bordered by Route One to the west, the Assunpink Creek to the east, Lincoln Avenue to the south and Mulberry Street to the north. Approximately 36 percent of its households live below the federal poverty level and 33 percent of adults graduate high school.
More information is online at easttrentoncollaborative.com.
