Wyckoff's First 'Very Special Home' Makes Its Debut

WYCKOFF, NJ – Township officials, along with Bergen County’s Division of Community Development, recently joined Bergen County’s United Way/Madeline Corporation to celebrate the completion of Wyckoff’s first “Very Special Home.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held Oct. 5 at the Clinton Avenue property, which, Bergen County's United Way/Madeline Corporation purchased from the township for $400,000.

According to Bergen County's United Way, “Very Special Homes” are designed to bring safe, independent and affordable housing options to those with physical and developmental disabilities such as autism, multiple sclerosis or Down’s syndrome.

In 2005, Bergen County’s United Way, in partnership with the Madeline Corporation, a second generation, non-profit affordable housing developer, developed the concept of “special homes for very special people.”

Since then, more than 300 units of affordable housing in 25 separate projects have been developed, with several more in the pipeline, according to United Way.

The Wyckoff project was financed through the Wyckoff Municipal Housing Trust Fund, HUD/Bergen County HOME Program, NJ State Division of Developmental Disabilities, Bergen County’s United Way capital, grants and donations.

The 12,000-square-foot lot includes a four-bedroom group home and two one-bedroom apartments.

With over 60 years of service, Bergen County’s United Way/Madeline Corporation is a non-profit organization with a mission to build safe and affordable housing for seniors, veterans and individuals with special needs.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.bergenunitedway.org.