Woods System of Care Breaks Ground on Barry R. Sharer Pavilion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Woods System of Care Breaks Ground on Barry R. Sharer Pavilion, Advancing Attainable Housing in Bucks County
42-unit development will provide affordable homes for community members, including nine units designated for people with disabilities
LANGHORNE, Pa. — August 28, 2026 — Woods System of Care has broken ground on the Barry R. Sharer Pavilion, a 42-unit attainable housing development in Middletown Township that will expand access to quality, affordable housing for individuals and families in Bucks County, including people with disabilities.
The groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in a multi-year effort to address the region’s growing housing affordability challenges. The development will offer homes for residents such as teachers, first responders, and other professionals who increasingly struggle to afford housing in Bucks County, while nine units will be reserved for individuals with disabilities.
“Today is about much more than breaking ground on a new building,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, President and CEO of Woods System of Care. “It is a celebration of the incredible things that are possible when dedicated and tenacious people work together. This project reflects our belief that housing is fundamental to health, stability and opportunity—and that people who work in and contribute to our communities should be able to afford to live in them.”
The project is named in honor of Barry R. Sharer, the longtime Woods trustee and former chair of the Woods Board of Trustees, who died last year following a long battle with cancer. Sharer was a successful business leader and an expert in tax-credit-financed attainable housing. He played a central role in helping Woods navigate the complex development and financing process and remained deeply committed to the project.
“Barry recognized that it was unfair that the people who work in Bucks County and keep us healthy and safe could not, in many cases, afford to live here,” said Simon Kimmelman, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Woods System of Care and a longtime friend of the Sharer family. “He also understood that people with disabilities were too often last in line when it came to access to resources, including housing. Barry believed that safe, secure and attractive housing should be available to everyone. He was a man of action, and he worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality.”
The project has received support from federal, state and county partners. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick helped secure $1.4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support the development. Woods also recognized the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), Bucks County, Middletown Township and other public and private partners whose support helped advance the project.
“Projects like the Barry R. Sharer Pavilion demonstrate what can happen when government, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions and community partners work together around a shared goal,” Hansen-Turton said. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped turn this vision into a reality.”
Among the project’s development partners are Diamond and Associates, CPB Architects, Domus, Regional Housing Legal Services and Lawrence Lake Interiors, as well as Begley, Carlin & Mandio, Gilmore & Associates, Enterprise and TD Bank.
“At TD, we believe strong communities are built on a foundation of safe, stable, and affordable housing,” Joseph McNally, Senior Relationship Manager, TD Bank U.S. told the assembled guests.
“Along with our community and development partners, we are proud to help support a project that will expand affordable housing opportunities and create lasting benefits for residents in our community. The groundbreaking of the Barry R. Sharer Pavilion marks an important step in addressing critical housing needs in Bucks County.”
Jeff Fields, Director of Housing and Community Development for Bucks County, was also recognized for his support of the project and efforts to help overcome the challenges involved in bringing the development to fruition.
The Pavilion reflects Woods System of Care’s broader commitment to addressing the social conditions that influence health and well-being. Access to stable, quality housing can affect a person’s health, economic security, ability to remain connected to their community, and capacity to live independently.
For Woods, that connection is particularly important for people with disabilities. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, secure home and to be part of a community,” said Hansen-Turton.
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together Woods leadership and staff, members of the Sharer family, government officials, development partners, community members and supporters of the project.
For the Sharer family and Woods, the Pavilion also represents a commitment to carry forward Barry Sharer’s legacy.
“Barry promised to give it his all. And that promise was kept,” Kimmelman said. “Now we have promises to keep: to honor Barry and all he did by naming this building for him; to make this building an enduring asset to everyone who will live in it and benefit from it; and to try our best to live life as Barry lived it—with kindness, determination and courage.”
About Woods System of Care
Woods System of Care is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative, comprehensive services and supports for people with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs and complex medical needs. Woods works across a continuum of care to help people live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Through innovative programs, integrated healthcare, housing and community partnerships, Woods seeks to create greater opportunities for people and strengthen the communities in which they live.