Community Renewal Good Stories - Philadelphia-Camden

Information by State  Print version

2009 Successes from the Empowerment Zone in Camden, New Jersey

Philadelphia/Camden Empowerment Zone

New Workers Job Development Center

Since its inception in 1967, Respond Inc. has provided a multitude of services for community residents.  From daycare services to promoting economic independence for individuals and families, Respond Inc. has played a vital role in Camden’s economic development and family well-being.  Respond’s recent venture builds upon this history.  Launched on April 16, 2009, Respond’s New Workers Job Development Center (NWJDC), located at 924-925 North 8th Street in North Camden, provides vocational training classes for automotive skills and culinary arts.  The NWJDC also provides computer access, financial literacy workshops, and housing, education, and other empowerment workshops to individuals and families. The Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC) and a few other organizations provided funding for the NWJDC, including the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and Sun National Bank.  CEZC administers the Camden portion of the Philadelphia/Camden Empowerment Zone that HUD awarded in 1993.

Grace Lutheran Housing

Representatives of Camden Lutheran Housing with Affordable Housing Signage

Homes built in Camden by Camden Lutheran Housing

Camden Lutheran Housing sold its final unit in Grace Lutheran, a 10 unit townhouse development, on February 17, 2009. Continuing with its mission of providing attractive, affordable housing, Camden Lutheran began the first phase of Grace Lutheran in 2002.  With down payment and closing cost assistance from the City of Camden, the project offered homeownership opportunities to 10 Camden residents. The Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation awarded $375,000 towards construction costs in conjunction with other lenders such as the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to make this project a reality.

Slides installed by the CEZC

Spray Pool in Washington Sq. Pk. renovated by CEZC

Parks play a vital role in creating livable cities and sustainable neighborhoods. Open spaces create places for youth and families to gather for leisurely pursuits and recreational outlets.  The Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC) partnered with the City of Camden to rehabilitate the 4th & Washington Street Park in the Lanning Square neighborhood. CEZC donated playground equipment, assisted with renovation activities to improve safety issues and renovated the spray pool for area residents and five surrounding daycares that use it daily. With the park's new kid friendly safety surface and renovated spray pool, families can now gather at the rehabilitated park for any occasion, especially for the long hot summer days.

For more information on Camden projects of the Philadelphia/Camden Empowerment Zone, please call CEZC Director Tyshammie Cooper at 856-365-9061.