What Project Freedom does

Project Freedom is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1984 in New Jersey by Norman A. Smith and Frieda Applegate, originally emerging from the 1970s Nottingham Recreation Center for the Physically Limited. The organization develops and operates barrier-free affordable housing that enables individuals with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and low-income families to live independently in a non-medical environment. Its portfolio spans 757+ accessible apartments across 11+ communities in five New Jersey counties (Mercer, Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Salem), including three legacy complexes (Robbinsville/Freedom I, Hamilton, Lawrence) and newer developments at West Windsor, Gibbsboro, Robbinsville Town Center South, Hamilton Woods, Woodstown, Hopewell, Toms River, Westampton, Historic Roebling, with Freedom Village at Wall Township under construction for a 2026 lottery opening.

The core product is purpose-built, Energy Star and Zero Energy Ready Home-compliant apartment communities featuring wider doorways and hallways, barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible layouts, elevators, central heating and air conditioning, on-floor laundry, and EV charging stations. Each new development includes a designated share of units reserved for special-needs residents (e.g., 10 developmental-disability and 8 mental-health units at Robbinsville; 18 special-needs units each at West Windsor and Gibbsboro). Layered tenant services include the Legacy's Happenings recreation program and the Organic Farm & Wellness Program, delivered through partnerships with faith-based, healthcare, food-security, civic, and corporate supporters.

Project Freedom's business model combines (1) income-restricted rental income from tenants earning up to 50% of area median income, awarded through a public lottery-based application system; (2) Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity awarded through NJHMFA (10 NJHMFA-financed projects, with ~$13M in private equity from the 9% LIHTC on the $20M Robbinsville project alone); (3) stacked government and quasi-public funding from Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Mercer County HOME funds, Robbinsville Affordable Housing Trust Funds, and state grants; (4) charitable grants (e.g., TD Charitable Foundation $175,000 Housing for Everyone grant in 2023); and (5) individual donations, AmazonSmile contributions, and proceeds from annual Gala and Golf Classic fundraisers. The organization also partners with municipalities to secure PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreements, donated or supported land, zoning variances, and water/sewer access in exchange for delivering fair-share affordable and accessible housing.

Name

Project Freedom

Legal name

Project Freedom, Inc.

Website

https://projectfreedom.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Project Freedom is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that develops and operates barrier-free affordable housing in New Jersey, serving people with disabilities and low-income families across 11+ communities and 757+ accessible apartments in five counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Affordable Supportive Housing

NAICS

Land Subdivision (2372)

SIC

Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Development, Construction & Rehabilitation Programs (BPAIANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Affordable housing development
• Barrier-free housing
• Supportive housing services
• Disability housing communities
• Non-profit LIHTC housing

Headquarters

HQ city

Robbinsville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity: Primary financing comes from the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC), which awards tax credits to states based on population. NJHMFA awarded Project Freedom highly competitive 9% LIHTCs generating nearly $13M in private equity for the $20M Robbinsville development.
2. Government and public funding grants: County HOME funds, Federal Home Loan Bank Funds (e.g., $1.7M from Federal Home Loan Bank of New York), municipal Affordable Housing Trust Funds (e.g., $600,000 from Robbinsville's Affordable Housing Trust Fund), $500,000 Mercer County Home funding, and state grants (e.g., $150,000 state grant secured by Assemblyman Rafferty).
3. Charitable grants and corporate philanthropy: Targeted charitable grants from foundations such as the TD Charitable Foundation ($175,000 Housing for Everyone grant to support organic farm program and wellness activities), corporate donations, and community foundation support.
4. Affordable housing rental income: Affordable rental income from tenants in 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units leased at income-restricted levels (up to 50% of area median income, plus moderate-income units), supporting ongoing operations and maintenance.
5. Donations and individual giving: Tax-deductible individual donations, AmazonSmile charity contributions, annual fundraising events (Annual Gala, Annual Golf Classic, virtual fundraisers), and community food/clothing drives from supporters.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Project Freedom is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that develops, owns, and operates barrier-free, accessible, affordable rental apartment communities for people with disabilities and low-income families across New Jersey. Units are awarded through a public lottery-based application process, with rents income-restricted under LIHTC (up to 50% of area median income), and on-site supportive services—including recreation, advocacy, organic farm/wellness programs, and emergency preparedness—are layered onto the housing portfolio.

Product overview

Project Freedom Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (incorporated ~1984) that develops and operates a portfolio of barrier-free, affordable housing communities enabling individuals with disabilities to live independently. Its offering is not a single software product but a unified housing-and-supportive-services platform composed of multiple community properties plus tenant-facing programs. The portfolio includes three original "legacy" complexes — Freedom Village at Robbinsville (Freedom I, opened 1991), Hamilton, and Lawrence — and a growing footprint across New Jersey in Woodstown, Hopewell, Toms River, Westampton, West Windsor, Gibbsboro, Robbinsville Town Center South, Hamilton Woods, Historic Roebling, and the in-development Freedom Village at Wall Township (66 units). Collectively the portfolio represents over 757 affordable and accessible apartments across five counties. Layered on top of the housing portfolio are tenant recreation and supportive services, including the Legacy's Happenings (NRCPL) recreation program and the Organic Farm & Wellness Program funded by TD Charitable Foundation. The organization is financed principally through the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program administered via NJHMFA, supplemented by County HOME funds, Federal Home Loan Bank funds, and municipal Affordable Housing Trust Funds.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Freedom Village at Robbinsville (Freedom I) Original 30-apartment barrier-free affordable housing community in Robbinsville, NJ, opened in 1991; the first Project Freedom complex built using federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits. Targets low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and special-needs residents through a lottery-based application process.
• Freedom Village at Hamilton 21-year-old barrier-free housing complex in Hamilton, NJ, located on Kuser Road (land purchased from St. Anthony's in 2000). Hosts recreation programs including Hot Dogs Fridays, Coffee Mondays, and the Hamilton Gardening Club for tenants with disabilities.
• Freedom Village at Lawrence 48-unit barrier-free affordable housing community at 1 Freedom Blvd, Lawrence, NJ, built in 2000. One of three original legacy complexes that host annual tenant holiday parties with community partners.
• Freedom Village at Woodstown Barrier-free affordable housing community in Woodstown, NJ, serving Salem County. Recipients of community holiday gifting support from local partners such as Franklin Savings Bank.
• Freedom Village at Hopewell Barrier-free affordable housing community in Hopewell, NJ, which hosted the December 2020 virtual Live Stream gala and fundraiser event.
• Freedom Village at Toms River Barrier-free affordable housing community in Toms River, NJ, serving Ocean County.
• Freedom Village at Westampton Barrier-free affordable housing community in Westampton, NJ (Burlington County). Site where Dara Johnston was named Project Freedom's 2020 Employee of the Year.
• Freedom Village at West Windsor 72-apartment barrier-free affordable housing community on Old Bear Brook Rd in West Windsor, NJ, completed February 2020. Provides 18 units for special needs residents, with Energy Star appliances, central A/C, laundry facilities on each floor, and proximity to the West Windsor Train station. NJHMFA-financed.
• Freedom Village at Gibbsboro 72-unit barrier-free affordable housing community in Gibbsboro, NJ (Camden County) with 18 units reserved for residents with special needs. Groundbreaking October 2018; grand opening live-streamed September 22, 2020. Leased up in record time during COVID-19.
• Freedom Village at Robbinsville Town Center South 72-unit affordable/supportive housing development across from Robbinsville Town Center North with four three-story buildings and a community center; 1–3 bedroom apartments for families up to 50% AMI, including 10 apartments for residents with developmental disabilities and 8 for residents with mental health challenges. NJHMFA 9% LIHTC financed ($20M development). First families moved in February 1, 2021.
• Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods 52-unit affordable barrier-free apartment community in Hamilton Township, NJ, across from Hamilton Township Library and the Hamilton Area YMCA. Includes 6 Low-Income 1-bedroom, 25 Low-Income 2-bedroom, 16 Low-Income 3-bedroom, and 5 Moderate-Income 2-bedroom apartments across four three-story buildings plus community center. All units barrier-free with elevator, Energy Star appliances, central air/heat, and laundry on each floor. Lottery held September 22, 2022.
• Historic Roebling Barrier-free affordable housing community in Florence Township (Roebling), NJ.
• Freedom Village at Wall Township 66-unit accessible, energy-efficient apartment community under construction in Wall Township, NJ, adjacent to Horizon at Wall by K. Hovnanian. Two four-story structures and one three-story building with private entrances, barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible design, elevators, central heating and A/C, Energy Star design features, Zero Energy Ready Home compliance, ample off-street parking with some EV charging stations. Lottery held April 23, 2026.
• Legacy's Happenings (NRCPL Recreation Programs) Recreation, trips, and creative activities program for tenants at Project Freedom's three legacy complexes (Robbinsville, Hamilton, Lawrence), continuing the legacy of the Nottingham Recreation Center for the Physically Limited (NRCPL), which originated in the 1970s.
• Organic Farm & Wellness Program Organic farm program that brings fresh, New Jersey-grown food to each of Project Freedom's seven Mercer complexes, complemented by tenant wellness programs. Funded in part by a $175,000 Housing for Everyone grant from the TD Charitable Foundation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 757 affordable and accessible apartments built across five New Jersey counties (Mercer, Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Salem)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Fair Share Housing CentercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured Project Freedom in a promotional video highlighting affordable housing impact on tenants' lives, particularly tenants with disabilities. The video supports broader advocacy for affordable housing in more communities.
• K. Hovnanian (Horizon at Wall)minorOthersFreedom Village at Wall by Project Freedom is being built adjacent to the K. Hovnanian "Horizon at Wall" community in Wall Township, NJ.
• Partner Municipalities (Robbinsville, Hamilton, Lawrence, West Windsor, Gibbsboro, Wall Township, Hopewell, etc.)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTowns sponsor Project Freedom developments, grant PILOTs (Payments in Lieu of Taxes), provide land, contribute municipal Affordable Housing Trust Funds, assist with variances/zoning accommodations, and ensure water/sewer access. Local advocates (often parents of disabled residents) champion Project Freedom in town affordable housing committees.
• Deborah Heart and Lung HospitalminorOthersFor three or more consecutive years, nurses and aides from Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital's 3Main unit have donated gifts and volunteered at Project Freedom at Lawrence's annual tenant holiday party, providing over 100 gifts and significant volunteer support.
• Selective Insurance Company of America & Nottingham Insurance AgencyminorOthersCombined to raise $249 to support Project Freedom's recreation and support services for tenants. Selective staff have pledged volunteer time for future activities. Nottingham Insurance has supported Project Freedom for over 35 years. Selective Insurance conducted safety inspections at Freedom Village at Town Center South.
• Princeton Corridor Rotary ClubminorOthersLong-time supporter; sponsored $1,500 of groceries for tenants during COVID-19 and previously supported the acquisition of a generator for the Robbinsville site.
• Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS) of Greater Mercer CountyminorOthersOperates a Mobile Food Pantry Truck delivering healthy-choice food pantry bags to tenants at Project Freedom's Robbinsville, Hamilton, and Lawrence complexes. Recognized as one of Project Freedom's "Angels of 2020".
• Arm In Arm (formerly The Crisis Ministry)minorOthersRegularly delivers food to tenants at Lawrence, Hamilton, and Robbinsville communities. 20 staff members and hundreds of volunteers serve more than 4,000 families annually. Recognized as one of Project Freedom's "Angels of 2020".
• Resurrection Lutheran Church (Hamilton Square)minorOthersFor 18+ years, has combined with Thrivent Insurance to host an annual Labor Day picnic for tenants of the three legacy complexes (Robbinsville, Hamilton, Lawrence). Previously hosted traditional Thanksgiving dinners for Hamilton tenants.
• Thrivent InsuranceminorOthersFor 18+ years has co-sponsored the annual Labor Day picnic with Resurrection Lutheran Church for Project Freedom tenants at the three legacy complexes.
• Franklin Savings BankminorOthersDonated Christmas gifts to three families at the Woodstown Project Freedom community during the 2018 holiday season.
• Mercer County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)minorOthersCo-founder Norman A. Smith is a CERT member and uses this affiliation to support Project Freedom's tenants and emergency preparedness advocacy.
• Hopewell Valley School DistrictminorOthersReceived Project Freedom's 2020 Freedom Bell Award for community partnership supporting Project Freedom tenants.
• Hopewell Valley Mobile Food PantryminorOthersCo-recipient with Hopewell Valley School District of Project Freedom's 2020 Freedom Bell Award; supports food security for tenants.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• The NHP Foundation: The NHP Foundation is a non-profit affordable housing owner/developer with a multi-state portfolio that includes supportive housing for special needs populations. Operates with similar LIHTC-driven financing model and mission-aligned resident services as Project Freedom.
• National Church Residences: National Church Residences is a large non-profit affordable housing developer and senior services provider operating across multiple states. Comparable in its integrated housing-plus-services model for vulnerable populations, though at much larger national scale.
• Volunteers of America: Volunteers of America is a large national non-profit that develops and operates affordable and supportive housing, including housing for people with disabilities and special needs populations. A broader incumbent offering overlapping services across many U.S. states including NJ.

Direct peers

• Advance Housing: Advance Housing is a NJ-based non-profit affordable/supportive housing developer serving people with disabilities, veterans, and low-income families. Competes with Project Freedom for NJHMFA LIHTC awards and serves a similar disability-housing mission in overlapping NJ geographies.
• Pennrose: Pennrose is a multi-state affordable housing developer that builds, owns, and manages LIHTC-financed rental communities, including supportive housing for special needs populations. Competes for NJ LIHTC awards and uses the same financing-stack model as Project Freedom.
• Ingerman Group: Ingerman is a NJ-headquartered affordable housing developer specializing in LIHTC-financed multifamily and supportive housing. Competes directly for NJHMFA LIHTC allocations and operates similar resident-services programs.
• Conifer Realty: Conifer Realty is a major NJ-based affordable housing developer that develops, owns, and manages LIHTC and mixed-income communities throughout the Northeast. Direct peer in NJ affordable housing LIHTC competition.
• HABcore (Housing & Buildings Corporation): HABcore is a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that develops and operates affordable housing, including housing specifically for individuals with special needs and people with disabilities. Operates within the same NJHMFA LIHTC framework and serves overlapping populations in NJ.
• The Arc of New Jersey: The Arc of New Jersey is a non-profit disability advocacy and service organization that operates housing programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Direct peer in serving the same developmental-disability population within NJ.
• Community Access Unlimited: Community Access Unlimited is a NJ-based non-profit that provides housing, advocacy, and support services for people with disabilities, including developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. Direct peer in disability-focused supportive housing across NJ.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TheFreedomGuys
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCF2HsajvZ-Q8WuK2kOYd2qA
• Facebookfacebook.com/ProjectFreedomInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/project-freedom-inc.

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Project Freedom