Veteran homelessness remains a critical and underserved need across New Jersey. To address this, the Westfield NJ Veterans Organization is seeking financing to complete the redevelopment of Martin Wallberg Post No. 3 into 22 units of permanent, affordable housing for homeless and at-risk veterans in and around Westfield, NJ. With $6.3M in committed public funding already secured from the Township of Westfield, Union County, the State of NJ, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of NY, the project is permit-ready and awaiting final financing to break ground.
The Westfield NJ Veterans Organization operates under the umbrella of Martin Wallberg Post No. 3, American Legion – one of New Jersey’s oldest veterans posts. Founded by Westfield veterans of World War I, the Post held its first meeting in May 1919 and received its permanent charter that September. What began as a small gathering of local servicemen has grown into a cornerstone of the Westfield community, supporting veterans and their families for over a century.
In 1949, following the end of World War II, the Post purchased and built its current home at 1003 North Avenue West – the same property at the center of this redevelopment project. The organization has owned, operated, and maintained that site ever since.
Today, the Post remains active in veteran advocacy and community programming, with ties to organizations including the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, and the Westfield Historical Society.
The American Legion Veterans Housing project will transform the existing Martin Wallberg Post No. 3 facility at 1003 North Avenue West into a mixed-use development purpose-built for veterans in need.
The centerpiece is a new 3-story residential building containing 22 one-bedroom apartments, each deed-restricted affordable for a minimum of 30 years and targeted to homeless veterans earning below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Residents will pay no more than 30% of their income in rent and will have access to on-site supportive services including counseling, job placement, and linkages to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The redevelopment also includes renovation of the Legion’s existing facility and the creation of a 3,000-square-foot banquet hall to serve as a community gathering space – generating rental income that will help sustain ongoing programming and operations.
Architectural and engineering drawings are complete, all planning and zoning approvals have been secured, and the project is permit-ready. Construction is expected to begin upon receipt of full financing, with an 18–24 month completion timeline.
Project Development Team
The American Legion Veterans Housing project is supported by an experienced team of affordable housing developers, architects, and service providers with a proven track record serving veterans across New Jersey and the Northeast.
Westfield NJ Veterans Organization
Developer
The development entity for this project, operating under Martin Wallberg Post No. 3, American Legion. The organization brings over a century of community roots, direct site ownership, and a mission-driven commitment to serving Westfield’s veteran population.
REDCOM Design and Construction
Architect & Civil Engineer
A full-service commercial architecture, engineering, and construction firm operating in New Jersey since 1982. REDCOM has completed all architectural and engineering drawings for this project, which are permit-ready.
Monarch Housing Associates
Development Partner & Financing Consultant
A New Jersey-based nonprofit with 35 years of experience and more than 3,000 affordable housing units created statewide. Monarch specializes in assembling complex, multi-layered financing for affordable and supportive housing projects serving veterans, seniors, and special needs populations.
Soldier On
Supportive Services Provider & Property Manager
A nonprofit housing organization serving homeless and at-risk veterans since 1994, with a portfolio spanning hundreds of units across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Soldier On reports a 93% success rate among veterans placed in permanent housing they manage, and will provide both property management and on-site supportive services for this development.
The loan proceeds will be used to fund site work and pre-construction costs for the American Legion Veterans Housing project in Westfield, New Jersey.
The loan will be repaid through a permanent loan.
This project delivers 22 units of permanent, affordable housing for homeless and at-risk veterans in Westfield, NJ, paired with on-site supportive services where residents can live independently in a community setting. With $6.3M in committed public funding already secured, the project is permit-ready and awaiting final financing to break ground.
Built for those who need it most: All units are reserved for veterans at or below 80% AMI, targeted to homeless veterans who may have a disability and earn below 50% AMI. Residents pay no more than 30% of their income in rent.
Wraparound services included: On-site counseling, job placement support, and linkages to the Department of Veterans Affairs are built into the model. All residents will also be eligible for membership at Martin Wallberg Post No. 3.
Lasting impact: All units are deed-restricted affordable for a minimum of 30 years, and the renovated facility and banquet hall create a sustainable revenue model for ongoing operations
Permanent supportive housing combines affordable rental housing with voluntary, on-site services - such as counseling, job placement, and peer support - to help individuals with histories of homelessness achieve long-term stability. Unlike transitional programs, residents have a permanent lease and are not required to exit the program.
This loan is being offered under LENDonate’s BYON Private Loan Program, designed for supporters who are already familiar with the Westfield NJ Veterans Organization and its mission.
If you are interested in investing in this loan or have questions regarding investment parameters, terms, repayment, or other financial details, please contact LENDonate directly at operations@lendonate.com.
For questions about the project itself, you’re welcome to reach out to Joe Mindak at joe@fsvh.org or 201-410-8282.
