Trenton Housing Authority

What Trenton Housing Authority does

Trenton Housing Authority (THA) is an autonomous governmental entity chartered by the City of Trenton and the State of New Jersey, founded in 1940 to provide affordable public housing in New Jersey's capital city. THA operates 11 housing developments — including family housing (Turner Pointe, Rush Crossing, Donnelly Homes, Lincoln Homes, Prospect Village), senior housing (J. Conner French Towers, James J. Abbott Apartments, Louis Josephson Apartments), and mixed-population properties (Frazier Courts I & II, Haverstick Homes, Wilson Homes) — serving approximately 1,700 households and 3,200 residents. Beyond property management, THA delivers a portfolio of resident services: the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, a scholarship program, a 5-week summer day camp, and the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Initiative, a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization program targeting the North Trenton/Battle Monument area with 500+ planned mixed-income homes.

THA's revenue model is government-grant-driven rather than commercial. The organization is funded primarily through HUD federal grants — including Capital Fund Program grants ($6.26M in FY 2022), Emergency Safety and Security grants ($250K in 2021), and Choice Neighborhoods grants ($1.3M planning in 2019, $15M implementation in 2024) — combined with rental income from its 11 properties calculated as a percentage of resident income per HUD guidelines. Billing is monthly. GTM is community-led: residents apply through an online portal (Secure Cafe), by phone via a leasing hotline (609-278-5041), or in person at THA's headquarters at 875 New Willow Street, Trenton. Rent is collected digitally through MSB Pay. The organization markets through its website (tha-nj.org), community events, partner referrals, and social media.

THA's strategic agenda is dominated by the North Trenton/Battle Monument transformation, executed through a core partnership with The Michaels Organization and supported by an extensive partner network (Better Tomorrows, Urban Practice, City of Trenton, Mercer County One-Stop, Trenton Health Team, Millhill Child & Family Development, Urban Promise, and others). THA is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners; leadership transitioned in April 2025 with Clifford Godfrey succeeding Jelani Garrett as Executive Director. The organization has secured $300M+ in associated public and private investment across the city and won the 2022 New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award for its Choice Neighborhoods plan.

Name

Trenton Housing Authority

Legal name

Trenton Housing Authority

Website

https://tha-nj.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1940

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Trenton Housing Authority is a public housing authority operating 11 developments serving approximately 1,700 households and 3,200 low-income, senior, and disabled residents in Trenton, NJ, funded primarily through HUD federal grants and resident rental income.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Housing Services

NAICS

Administration of Housing Programs (925110), Other Residential Care Facilities (623990), Other Community Housing Services (624229)

SIC

Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Housing & Social Housing Development/Modernization Programs (FSALAKAH), Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8) (BPAJAFAD), Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction (IMAFABAI), Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Housing Programs (FSALAKAO)

Keywords

• Public housing
• Affordable housing
• HUD programs
• Housing assistance
• Community development

Headquarters

HQ city

Trenton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. HUD Federal Funding: Partial funding from the federal government through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including Capital Fund Program grants and Choice Neighborhoods grants.
2. HUD Capital Fund Grant: THA received a $6,256,702 Public Housing Capital Fund Program Grant from HUD for fiscal year 2022.
3. HUD Choice Neighborhoods Grant: THA secured a $15 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, with the goal of reaching $50 million total for the North Trenton/Battle Monument neighborhood transformation.
4. HUD Emergency Safety Grant: THA received a $250,000 HUD Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program grant for capital improvements to enhance safety and security.
5. Rental Income: Revenue from rental payments by residents in THA's 11 housing developments serving approximately 1,700 households.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Trenton Housing Authority owns, manages, and operates 11 public housing developments in Trenton, New Jersey, providing affordable rental housing to approximately 1,700 households and 3,200 low-income residents. In addition to subsidized housing units, it delivers supporting resident programs including Family Self-Sufficiency, a Summer Day Camp, a scholarship program, and the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Initiative.

Product overview

Trenton Housing Authority (THA) provides affordable public housing and community development services for the City of Trenton, NJ. The organization operates 11 housing developments serving approximately 1,700 households and 3,200 residents. THA's portfolio includes family housing (Donnelly Homes, Lincoln Homes, Prospect Village, Rush Crossing, Turner Pointe), senior housing (James J. Abbott Apartments, J. Conner French Towers, Louis Josephson Apartments), and mixed housing (Frazier Courts I and II, Samuel Haverstick Homes, Woodrow Wilson Homes). Beyond housing, THA offers the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Initiative for neighborhood revitalization, Family Self-Sufficiency Program for resident empowerment, Scholarship Program for college-bound students, and Summer Day Camp for youth. Residents can access online services including rent payment via msbpay.com and housing applications through the THA client portal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Choice Neighborhoods Planning Initiative: HUD signature initiative for comprehensive neighborhood transformation focusing on housing, people, and neighborhood revitalization.

Products and services

• Public Housing Communities Network of 11 federally subsidized public housing developments in Trenton, New Jersey, providing affordable rental units to approximately 1,700 households and 3,200 low-income residents under HUD oversight.
• Turner Pointe A specific public housing property within Trenton Housing Authority's portfolio of affordable rental developments.
• Choice Neighborhoods Planning Initiative A HUD-funded neighborhood transformation program led by THA to plan and execute revitalization of distressed public housing neighborhoods in Trenton.
• Family Self-Sufficiency Program A HUD-funded supportive services program that helps THA residents achieve economic self-sufficiency through coaching, savings incentives, and case management.
• THA Scholarship Program A scholarship program administered by Trenton Housing Authority for residents pursuing higher education or vocational training.
• Summer Day Camp A seasonal youth day camp operated by THA for the children of public housing residents.
• Online Rent Payment Service (MSB Pay) Online platform enabling THA residents to pay monthly housing rent digitally.
• Housing Application Portal Online portal that allows prospective residents to submit and track applications for THA public housing units and waiting list placement.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,700 households served with approximately 3,200 residents across 11 housing developments
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Michaels OrganizationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2021The Michaels Organization was selected as the development partner for major neighborhood transformation in North Trenton following a competitive selection process. As a national leader in residential real estate and the largest private-sector owner of affordable housing in the country, Michaels brings extensive experience with HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Program including CNI-funded developments in Camden, Jersey City, Atlantic City (NJ), Tulsa (OK), and Los Angeles (CA). The partnership will develop 500+ newly constructed mixed-income homes in the Battle Monument Neighborhood.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)coreOthersHUD provides partial funding to THA as the primary federal housing agency. THA receives Capital Fund Program grants, Emergency Safety and Security grants, and Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants through HUD. HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman announced the $325 million in Choice Neighborhoods funding including THA's $15 million grant.
• Better TomorrowscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBetter Tomorrows will provide resident supportive services as part of the North Trenton neighborhood transformation initiative, helping residents access resources and programs to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Michaels ConstructioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMichaels Construction is anticipated to serve as the General Contractor for the North Trenton neighborhood transformation development project.
• City of TrentoncoreOthersThe City of Trenton is the chartering body for THA and a key partner in the Choice Neighborhoods initiative. Mayor Reed Gusciora has supported THA's revitalization efforts and the city collaborated on the $1.3 million Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant awarded in 2019. The city is a co-applicant on the $15 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.
• Mercer County One-Stop Career CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA partners with the Mercer County One-Stop Career Center to provide workforce development services, job fairs, career counseling, and employment assistance to residents. John C. Raines serves as Deputy Director of Operations for the One-Stop Career Center.
• New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNJEDA collaborated with the City of Trenton on Developer's Day at Thomas Edison State University to present development opportunities and public incentives to real estate developers.
• Greater Trenton IncminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreater Trenton Inc collaborated on Developer's Day to attract real estate development interest and investment to Trenton.
• Children's FuturesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA partnered with Children's Futures to host the Baby Birthday Bash program, supporting families with young children in the community.
• Trenton NAACPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA partners with the Trenton NAACP branch to host expungement clinics and community events for residents.
• Mercer County Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA partners with Mercer County Community College for job fairs, career events, credentialing programs, and educational opportunities for residents.
• Millhill Child & Family DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA connects with Millhill Child & Family Development for the Trenton PEERS program, which develops interactive workshops for teens on conflict resolution and decision-making.
• Urban Promise TrentonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA connects with Urban Promise Trenton for youth development programs including the Junior Street Leader Coordinator role providing bible study classes and personal development for middle school students.
• The Father Center of NJminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA partners with The Father Center for programs like the Game Day NBA 2K22 Tournament and Career Readiness Workshops for youth.
• AuthentiCity GlobalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA partnered with AuthentiCity Global to develop the Girls Mentorship program for adolescent girls aged 9 to 15, providing skills and resources for leadership and personal development.
• Trenton Health TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA partners with Trenton Health Team to host diabetes management education sessions and health-related community programming.
• Operation HOPEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA supports Operation HOPE's Credit & Money Management Virtual Workshop, helping residents learn about credit scores, budgeting, and credit reports.
• Trenton Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi IncminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHA partners with the Trenton Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi for the Kappabotics Race Day Robotics Competition, a STEM program for students.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA): Large urban public housing authority serving low-income residents in nearby Philadelphia. Closely comparable in target population, HUD funding structure, senior/family housing portfolio, and urban neighborhood revitalization initiatives—making it a natural regional scale and operational peer.
• Baltimore Housing Authority: Mid-Atlantic urban public housing authority serving low-income residents in Baltimore. Comparable in regulatory environment (HUD-funded), target demographics, portfolio scale, and involvement in mixed-income neighborhood redevelopment initiatives.
• Jersey City Housing Authority: New Jersey-based public housing authority operating affordable housing stock for low-income residents. Comparable in regulatory framework (HUD-funded, state-chartered) and resident population profile to THA, with similar programmatic offerings including senior and family housing.
• Camden Housing Authority: New Jersey-based public housing authority serving a similarly distressed urban population in Camden. Comparable in HUD funding reliance, portfolio composition, and proximity to major Choice Neighborhoods activity (Michaels Organization has also done CNI-funded work in Camden).
• Newark Housing Authority: Another large New Jersey urban public housing authority serving a comparable low-income population. Directly comparable as a same-state, similar-scale peer where THA's new Executive Director Clifford Godfrey previously served as COO, providing a direct operational and scale benchmark.

Regional players

• Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh (HACP): Mid-Atlantic urban public housing authority operating in Pittsburgh with a comparable HUD-funded portfolio of family, senior, and accessible housing units. Similar operational scale and federal program participation make it a relevant peer, though serving a different regional geography.

Others

• The Michaels Organization: THA's primary development partner and reportedly the largest private-sector owner of affordable housing in the U.S. Listed as a peer due to its central role in THA's Choice Neighborhoods plan (500+ new homes) and its CNI-funded work in Camden, Jersey City, and Atlantic City—representing an ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Boston Housing Authority (BHA): Established urban public housing authority in Boston serving a comparable low-income population with a mix of family, senior, and accessible housing. Comparable in HUD program participation, regulatory framework, and broad programmatic offerings.
• WinnCompanies: Major private-sector affordable housing owner and property manager operating nationally. Comparable to THA as a large-scale affordable housing operator managing subsidized multifamily stock, though operating under private rather than public governance.
• New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA): The largest public housing authority in the United States, serving over 400,000 residents across NYC. While far larger than THA, NYCHA operates within the same federal HUD framework and serves a comparable low-income urban population, making it a relevant broader-incumbent benchmark.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/trentonhousing
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/trenton-nj-housing-authority

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Trenton Housing Authority