Heart of Camden: 40
Years of Building Places to Call Home
2024 Impact Report
A message from Executive Director Carlos Morales
Dear Friends,
As we celebrate the Heart of Camden’s 40th anniversary, we honor the lessons and successes of the past while accelerating our work to improve the lives of Waterfront South residents. This milestone inspires us to continue prioritizing equitable development, fostering the flow of capital into our neighborhood, and testing innovative ideas to expand economic opportunities for all. At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to enhancing the social and emotional well-being of our community.
In the past year, we have made significant strides through community-driven investments, critical development projects, youth services, and partnerships with resident-led organizations. Together, we invested over $2 million in people and places, leveraging an additional $1.5 million to amplify our impact. Here are a few highlights:
• Revitalizing Broadway: Construction began on transforming the former hardware store into a vibrant mixed-use building along the Broadway commercial corridor. This project will create ground-floor retail spaces and upper-floor artist studios, boosting economic activity and expanding the arts economy in Waterfront South.
• Strengthening Partnerships: We launched the Waterfront South Collaborative, uniting residents, organizations, businesses, and government partners to drive neighborhood improvements and community services.
• Empowering Youth: The Trenton Circus Squad Free Circus Camp brought over 20 local youth together at the Michael J. Doyle Fieldhouse. Participants explored balancing acts, gravity-defying stunts, and creative expression, building confidence, teamwork, and a love for the arts.
• Creating Homes: We completed the 420 Jasper Street Project, transforming a vacant property into a high-quality, affordable home for a first-time home buyer family.
• Building Community: Our first Annual Holiday Banquet and Community Awards event at the Michael J. Doyle Fieldhouse brought together nearly 200 residents, local businesses, stakeholders, and community leaders for a joyful celebration of our shared achievements.
The strength of our impact lies in our collective voice. Together, we can support children and families, strengthen the Waterfront South community, and improve lives. This report reflects not only our progress but also our values and aspirations.
As we mark 40 years of impact, the Heart of Camden remains dedicated to creating a neighborhood of opportunity, resilience, and a deep sense of community.
From our earliest days to our boldest future goals, every effort is grounded in ensuring that we nurture the places and spaces people call home.
Thank you to our talented staff, Board of Directors, and partners. Your dedication, passion, and tireless commitment make our work possible. To our supporters, funders, investors, and residents—your generosity and trust inspire us to continue putting our hearts into our homes.
With gratitude,
Carlos Morales
Executive Director
The Heart of Camden
Reviving Croft Mills: A New Era for South Camden
A crumbling building. Broken glass. Littered streets. The shuttered Croft Mills site has long been a hazard to the surrounding community—a ghost of its once-thriving past. This historic property, dating back to the 18th century, has suffered decades of neglect, including a catastrophic fire, leaving behind dangerous debris and environmental contamination. But where others see decay, the Heart of Camden sees potential. That’s why we’ve spent years advocating to bring this site back to life.
In 2024, our vision took a major step forward when Heart of Camden entered into a purchase agreement for the long-abandoned property. Now, a multi-milliondollar redevelopment project is on the horizon—one that will breathe new life into this vacant space and continue the transformative revitalization underway in South Camden. With plans in place for financing, acquisition, and redevelopment, we are ready to restore the Howland Croft Mills site into a thriving community asset.
“Waterfront South is a neighborhood in the midst of a renaissance. New housing is bringing fresh energy, while arts, culture, and environmental organizations are making major investments to lift up our community and improve quality of life for families. The Croft Mills
Project will transform a neglected part of our neighborhood, creating a vital connection between our vibrant Broadway district, the events at the Michael J. Doyle Fieldhouse Gym, and the entire Heart of Camden family,” shared Carlos Morales, Executive Director of Heart of Camden.
The reimagined Croft Mills Project will transform 1.7 acres into a vibrant community anchor. Plans include single-family homeownership opportunities, rental and transitional housing, retail and commercial space, and much-needed green space and community amenities.
This is more than redevelopment—it’s renewal. It’s community-building in action. And it’s happening now.
1984: Founding by Father Michael J. Doyle
“We had a crying need.”
1985: First Heart of Camden Homeowner
1990s: Building affordable housing and advocacy with the residents to fight against displacement and for environmental justice Heart of Camden Fights to Save Waterfront South
Olga Morales 2000s: The loss of Reaching establishing Camden
2010s:
Expansion into cultural and environmental initiatives
2000s: of Sr. Peg Hynes, Reaching 100 homes and establishing the South Theatre Company
2020s: Pandemic Response, CASA Project Launch, Catch the Wave: Waterfront South Neighborhood Plan
From Historic Hardware Store to Vibrant Community Makerspace
For years, the Board, Staff, and Community of the Heart of Camden, has envisioned transforming the former hardware store into a dynamic community gathering space. Now, with funding secured, that vision is becoming a reality. In the past year, Phase 1 of the project kicked off with critical approvals and architectural designs finalized—marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Waterfront South.
Once completed, this historic space will be reimagined as a thriving mixed-use hub along the vital Broadway corridor. The ground floor will feature retail space, while the upper levels will be dedicated to artists and creatives, fueling the growth of Waterfront South’s emerging arts economy.
Located next to the Camden Fireworks art gallery, the new Makerspace Project will provide a dedicated space for artists,
makers, and community members to collaborate, create, and innovate. Beyond its role as a creative hub, the project will also introduce retail opportunities that support local artists and contribute to the neighborhood’s economic revitalization.
This isn’t just about restoring a building—it’s about igniting creativity, strengthening community, and shaping the future of Waterfront South.
Community Voices
Heart of Camden’s First Annual Holiday Banquet and Community Awards Celebration was a night to remember! The event sparkled with lively entertainment from the Trenton Circus Squad, mouthwatering cuisine from Cathedral Kitchen, and a special appearance by Santa’s helper— our very own Board President, Ben Hill. Nearly 200 community residents, partners, friends, and supporters gathered to celebrate the spirit of Waterfront South.
We were honored to recognize our 2024 Awardees, a group of extraordinary residents and organizations who dedicate their time, talents, and hearts to making a lasting
impact on our community. Their labor of love continues to inspire and uplift Waterfront South every day!
Remembering Sr. Rosemarie Kolmer
Sr. Rosemarie Kolmer, a beloved member, supporter, and ally of the Heart of Camden family, passed away on October 2, 2024. Sister Rosemarie began her ministry in 1971 in the Diocese, where she worked at Camden’s Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes for 17 years. Starting her service as a dedicated nurse, she later transitioned into pastoral care, where she established a pastoral care department at the hospital to support the spiritual needs of patients, their families, and staff. In 2020, she shifted to part-time work within the Diocese of Camden, officially retiring in 2024.
A tireless volunteer, Sr. Rosemarie gave abundantly to our community. “Her heart and ministry were always with the poor and broken, for the sick, and for those in the City of Camden,” shared Fr. Vincent Guest, current
pastor of Sacred Heart Church.
Sister Rosemarie’s legacy of compassion and unwavering commitment to others will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Heart of Camden Impact, By the Numbers
HOUSING
• 270 homes sold to first time home buyers since inception
• Nearly 100 units of housing in the pre-development phase
• 5 infill homes going to construction in 2025
• 1 new community amenity going to construction in 2025
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• 7 Waterfront South Collaborative community meetings
• Launch of new WFS Block Captain Program (on 3 blocks)
• Launch of 2 new annual traditions: WFS Summer Block Party & WFS Holiday Banquet, each serving hundreds
DIRECT SERVICES
• Approximately 2,500 people served by programs & services
• Over 125 food distribution days at HOC Food Pantry
MJD FIELDHOUSE
• Over 100 nights of Community Open Gym every year
• Partnerships with 5 organizations to expand youth & family recreation
• Weekly Food Pantry and Diaper Distribution
• Increased reach and impact by over 25% from 2023
Do Your Bit –Big Changes Start Small!
Join us to donate, volunteer, or advocate. Together, we can create a just and thriving community in Waterfront South.
Your Journey to Making a Difference
By joining the ‘Do Your Bit’ campaign, you embark on a journey of impactful action. Here’s how you can contribute:
• Boost (donate): Financial donations are crucial for funding large-scale projects like the Croft Mill project, helping to restore and build homes for Camden families. Every dollar directly supports community development.
• Impact (volunteer): Volunteering options are available monthly, including Second Saturdays for individual volunteers and Second Thursdays for corporate or school groups. Projects align with Heart of Camden’s “Four Chambers of the Heart” model (Housing, MJDFH, Community Development, and Families), offering volunteers varied ways to contribute.
• Tell (advocate): By sharing your support through peer-to-peer fundraising, social media advocacy, or simply encouraging friends and family to learn more, you can create a ripple effect of support. Do Your Bit will provide templates, email scripts, and social media content to make it easy for you to spread the message.
