The housing complex project is being spearheaded by Rose House, a nonprofit, with help from Chester Township.
CHESTER, NJ — In an effort to raise funds for housing for special needs adults, a local nonprofit has launched a 50/50 raffle.
The Rose House, a Morris Plains-based nonprofit, is looking to raise funds for a 12-person affordable housing complex in Chester for special needs adults.
Dubbed the “Forever Home” project, the housing complex will provide affordable housing for 12 adults with special needs on a 14.7-acre site at 345 State Route 24.
50/50 raffle tickets cost $10 each, and can be purchased by calling the Rose House at 973-984-0006, ext. 121, or emailing [email protected].
“As individuals with developmental disabilities transition out of the school system and their caregivers grow older, the need for lifelong support becomes more crucial,” said Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell. “Our mission is to ensure these individuals continue to receive the care and dignity they deserve, and we rely on the generosity of our community to make that possible. Fundraising efforts like our annual 50-50 raffle play a vital role in sustaining these essential services.”
Last year, the 50/50 winner received a record-breaking $10,560.
This year’s drawing will be on Dec. 18, and the winner does not need to be present during the drawing.
More On The Forever Home Project
Chester Township is working alongside the Rose House to make this complex a reality. The affordable housing unit will be where the Glenlora Nursing Home is located, and is expected to be built by 2027.
In July, Chester officials “finalized the ordinance that outlines key guidelines for the redevelopment,” according to Mayor Tim Drag.
“Chester Township is excited for the development’s completion as it will prove to be a win-win situation,” Mayor Tim Drag said in a statement. “It will fulfill a need for both our town and Rose House by creating affordable housing units and providing crucial residential placement for adults with special needs.”
Ordinance No. 2025-11 essentially restricts any future development on the Glenlora site, other than Rose House’s affordable housing complex.
The project is being funded by Rose House through its “Forever Home” fundraising initiative, which has already raised more than $300,000.
The plan stems from way back in 2005, when Chester Township purchased the Glenlora property to meet its affordable housing requirements.
Last year, the township offered a Request for Proposal (RFP) for bidders to decide what to do with the site. The township heard presentations from ArcMorris, Bluestone Development, and Rose House. The project was eventually awarded to Rose House.
“With more than 10,000 adults with developmental disabilities on a waiting list for housing in New Jersey alone, this housing complex will offer families much-needed hope for their loved ones,” said Mitchell in a statement. “On behalf of our organization, Board of Trustees, and residents, we greatly appreciate Chester Township’s compassion toward these families.”
While specifics are still being hammered out, Chester officials are keeping in contact with Rose House representatives weekly, according to the mayor.