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State Farm Grant Supports RVHFH Critical Home Repair

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State Farm Grant Supports Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair for Bound Brook Ida Victim

Bedminster, NJ (June 7, 2022) Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RV Habitat) is proud to help Eileen Strasko of Bound Brook, NJ get back into her home following its destruction by Hurricane Ida.

Seventy-one-year-old Strasko has been displaced since Hurricane Ida hit in September 2021. Her home of more than fifty years was completely flooded in the storm, destroying the downstairs floors, walls, and appliances, as well as the entire electrical, plumbing, and heating systems. Unable to stay in the house, Strasko has been forced to live in a series of hotels, draining her financial and emotional resources. Essentially blind and unable to walk without a walker, Strasko cannot drive. Her current living situation–far from her neighbors and support system–leaves her virtually stranded alone in a hotel room. Doctor visits and errands are now expensive taxi rides away.

“I’ve been devastated to be out of my house,” says Strasko. “I’m so grateful to Habitat for its help. I didn’t know who to turn to otherwise.”

Fueled by a $20,000 State Farm grant and State Farm volunteers, RV Habitat replaced the heating, electrical, and plumbing systems in the home as well as first-floor insulation and sheetrock. RV Habitat volunteer teams—including students from the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) Carpentry Program—continue to make the home ready for habitation. They’re installing flooring, spackle, and paint, and cleaning up along the way.

“We are so grateful to State Farm for allowing us to do this important work,” says RV Habitat Executive Director Melissa Flynn. “Eileen can’t keep living in hotels. And we could never have achieved all of this without the State Farm grant and our amazing volunteers.”

Critical Home Repair is part of RV Habitat’s Home Safety and Repair program, which includes Brush with Kindness (small exterior clean-up and maintenance), Small Repairs (like installing sheetrock, flooring, cabinets, or window panes), and Critical Home Repairs (larger repairs like roof or furnace replacement). Homeowners in need of repairs should contact Jessica Abbott at 908-704-0016, ext. 117 or visit rvhabitat.org/home-safety-repair for information and application details.

About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RV Habitat) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership opportunities.

RV Habitat is currently building a duplex in Raritan Township for two new homeowner families, working toward building a Veteran home in Somerville, and growing our Repair Program. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 330, Pluckemin, NJ 07978. For individuals and groups who would like to volunteer, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer. To shop, donate, or volunteer at our ReStore, visit rvhabitatrestore.org.

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Girl Scouts Build Garden for RVHFH Homeowner

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Montgomery County Girl Scouts Build Garden For New RV Habitat Homeowner

Bedminster, NJ (June 16, 2022) Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity’s newest homeowner, Cicely Caldwell, is enjoying beautiful landscaping, a wildlife-proof vegetable garden, and an herb garden this summer thanks to Girl Scout Troop 60626 from Montgomery Township. Each scout contributed 50 hours to the project and earned a Silver Award, the highest achievement scouts can earn at their level.

“After reading an article about the first Habitat for Humanity home to be built in Montgomery Township, the scouts knew they wanted to get involved,” said team leader Jen Seamons. “They learned that what they do matters; that they can be productive and useful; and that they can make a difference.”

They also learned significant lessons about patience and perseverance, as the project began just before the Covid 19 pandemic. Throughout that time, the scouts—all high school freshmen–held several zoom calls with Caldwell and Construction Administrator David Polomski. They delivered snack bags for the Women’s Build Day and met with local community members to discuss their plans. In February 2022, they were thrilled to attend the Caldwell Family’s home dedication in person.

To organize and accept donations, the troop created a website. Board and Brush in Kendall Park welcomed the scouts into their studio to create decorative signs and an herb box. Local residents opened home gardens to help the girls formulate a design. Blooms at Belle Mead helped them design and select plants for the landscaping. South Brunswick Home Depot donated supplies for the vegetable garden, as well as clean-up bags and water for the volunteers. Friends, family, and community members donated plants, pots, and raised flower beds.

“These girls make you feel good about the future,” said Polomski. “They dug beds, planted trees, mulched—all in 90+ degree heat. It was a job very well done.”

About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RV Habitat) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership opportunities.

RV Habitat is currently building a duplex in Raritan Township for two new homeowner families, working toward building a Veteran home in Somerville, and growing our Repair Program. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 330, Pluckemin, NJ 07978. For individuals and groups who would like to volunteer, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer. To shop, donate, or volunteer at our ReStore, visit rvhabitatrestore.org.

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Press Release: Two Families Selected

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Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Selects Two Families for New Duplex in Raritan Township

Bedminster, NJ (January 12, 2022)
 Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce the selection of two future homeowner families to help build and ultimately purchase two sides of a duplex in Raritan Township.

The two families will work alongside volunteers, donors, and RV Habitat employees to build a two-family home on Raritan Avenue in Raritan Township, NJ. Each household will contribute at least 250 hours toward building, community support, and personal development. Once construction is complete, each will purchase a side of the duplex.

“We are so excited to expand our Habitat family,” says RV Habitat executive director Melissa Flynn. “These future homeowners are thrilled to have the opportunity to build stability and raise their children in such a wonderful community.”

RV Habitat Homeowners are selected through a rigorous application process. They purchase homes at a price they can afford and commit to monthly, interest-free mortgage payments along with taxes and insurance. In addition, each future homeowner commits to partnering with Habitat. They work on building homes, engaging with the community, participating in workshops and learning opportunities, fundraising, and more.

Habitat houses are truly community projects. Volunteers and generous donors fuel every step–from planning to building to homeowner support. Raritan Township donated the land for this project.

The Drew Family
The Rutlege Family

About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RV Habitat) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership opportunities. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 330, Pluckemin, NJ 07978. For individuals (ages 16+) and groups who would like to volunteer, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer.

Raritan Township Groundbreaking Press Release

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Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground in Raritan Township

Pluckemin, NJ (December 2, 2021) — Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrated the launch of its newest project in Raritan Township on November 19, 2021. The two-story duplex will be built at 1 Raritan Avenue, on the corner of South Main Street.

The ground breaking ceremony marked the beginning of an exciting partnership between RV Habitat and Raritan Township. RV Habitat Executive Director Melissa Flynn said, “We are grateful to Raritan Township, the Fire Department, and everyone who contributed to the donation of this land. These homes will be a huge benefit to the homeowners and their neighbors.”

Future homeowner Daune Drew was joined by Raritan Township Mayor Gary Hazard, Flynn, and RV Habitat Board President Nuno Barboza to sink the very first shovels into the job site. Awesome Caldwell, the daughter of a RV Habitat homeowner, moved the audience to tears with an a cappella rendition of Recover, by Natasha Bedingfield.

“We are so happy to welcome Daune and future Habitat Homeowners to our community. This is a wonderful and welcoming place to live,” said Mayor Hazard. Drew, a single mother with two sons, is eager to provide a solid foundation for her family. “Being a homeowner isn’t just about having a place to live,” she said. “It’s about knowing that I’m building a bit of stability and wealth for my boys to enjoy.”

Habitat homes are truly community projects. Volunteers and generous donors fuel every step–from planning to building to homeowner support.

RV Habitat Homeowners are selected through an extensive application process. They purchase homes and contribute between 250 and 500 “sweat equity” hours in addition to committing to regular mortgage payments. A second family for the duplex will be selected in December.

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About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RV Habitat) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable home ownership opportunities. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 330, Pluckemin, NJ 07978. For individuals (ages 16+) and groups who would like to volunteer, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer.

Raritan Township Mayor Gary Hazard, Future Homeowner Daune Drew, and Board President and Vice President, Nuno Barboza and Rita Auld, officially "break ground" on the new home in Raritan Township.
Family, friends, and community gathered at the site of RV Habitat's future home on November 19, 2021.
Left to right: Awesome Caldwell, daughter of RV Habitat Homeowner Cicely Caldwell; Daune Drew, Future RV Habitat Homeowner; and Cicely Caldwell. Above: The ceremonial Future Homeowner's Groundbreaking shovel.
Board Officers Nuno and Rita stand with Executive Director Melissa Flynn, Future Homeowner Daune Drew, Raritan Township Mayor Gary Hazard and Deputy Mayor Scott MacDade.

Raritan Valley Habitat and Wells Fargo Press Release

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Wells Fargo Donates $15,000 to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity to help more families in Raritan Township, NJ access Decent, affordable housing 

Bedminster, NJ (November 15, 2021) – Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity is one of more than 220 Habitat organizations awarded a grant from Wells Fargo as part of its nationwide initiative to help low-to-moderate income families construct and improve homes across the country.

“Far too many people across the country are facing housing instability and one of our key priorities is to create housing affordability solutions where everyone can have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Tomas Porturas, Wells Fargo VP/Sr. Community Relations Consultant. “We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity in providing homeownership opportunities for hundreds of families nationwide through Wells Fargo Builds.”

Raritan Valley Habitat will receive $15,000 and use the funding to build a duplex in Raritan Township. The ground breaking ceremony for this project will be November 19th at 10:00 am.  All are welcome. 

“This is an exciting time for two families willing to invest in their futures. Thanks to Wells Fargo these families and their children will have a safe place to build strength, stability, and self-reliance.”

The grant is part of a $7.75 million donation Wells Fargo is making to Habitat for Humanity International through Wells Fargo Builds, an initiative that provides philanthropic financial support and volunteerism to create sustainable affordable housing. More than 340 homes will be constructed or repaired with Habitat in over 40 states through the initiative this year. Wells Fargo Builds is part of Wells Fargo’s $1 billion philanthropic commitment to create more housing affordability solutions by 2025.

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About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable home ownership opportunities for hard-working, local families. RV Habitat has built 140 homes internationally through tithing. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 330 Pluckemin, NJ 07978. If you would like to volunteer, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer.

RV Habitat ReStore Celebrates 3 Year Anniversary

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Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore Celebrates 3 Years Serving the Community

Manville, NJ (November 5, 2021) —The Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore has recently celebrated our 3rd anniversary! We want to thank all of our donors, volunteers, and customers for all of your support. Your donations, purchases and service hours have helped RV Habitat build Habitat homes and repair homes through our Brush with Kindness program.

We have all had our challenges this past year. COVID hit and we had to change many things here at the ReStore. Thank you for your patience through all of it. Then came the floods that devastated many local communities. Thankfully our ReStore did not sustain any damage from the flood and were only closed for a few days. We reopened as soon as possible so that we could be here for those affected by the flood to help in any way we could. Thank you to everyone who donated items for our Fill the Truck Drive, we donated over 6000 lbs of food and cleaning products. Many thanks to all who purchased ReStore Gift cards to be given out to families in need.

We love that we have become part of the community and that RV Habitat and the ReStore have been able to serve friends and families in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. We look forward to what the next year will bring, the people we will meet and the lives we can help change.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out how we will be celebrating 3 Years!  

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About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable home ownership opportunities for hard-working, local families. RV Habitat has built 140 homes internationally through tithing. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 330 Pluckemin, NJ 07978. For individuals (ages 16+) and groups who would like to volunteer on the Montgomery Township build site, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer.

RV Habitat ReStore Facebook
RV Habitat ReStore Instagram

RV Habitat Volunteer to Serve Others on Upcoming International Home Rehabilitation Trips

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Raritan Valley Habitat Volunteer Helps Rebuild Communities Across the Globe

Bedminster, NJ (October 28, 2021) — From New Jersey, to Brazil, Costa Rica and beyond, Kaitlyn Reper, a registered nurse and volunteer, is passionate about building communities and hope wherever she goes. Kaitlyn has been volunteering with Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity since 2010. She serves on the construction team and gala planning committee, and volunteers regularly at the Habitat ReStore in Manville, NJ. In addition to being a valued volunteer, she is an avid traveler, and is getting ready to head out on her next adventure.

In December, Kaitlyn will be travelling to Portugal, followed by a trip to Puerto Rico in January. She is going with Fuller Center for Housing, a Christian organization that aims to eradicate poverty housing by partnering with community members to build and rehabilitate housing for those in need. This will be Kaitlyn’s first experience with the Fuller Center for Housing, but she is no stranger to serving others while traveling abroad!

As a student at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, Kaitlyn began traveling with her campus’s Habitat for Humanity chapter on spring breaks. She traveled to many places within the country: Oakland, California; Miami, Florida; and New Orleans, Louisiana to provide relief after Hurricane Katrina. On these trips, she and the group of volunteers she traveled with stayed in volunteer shelters, schools, and even slept on church floors. Kaitlyn shares that one of the most rewarding experiences was returning to New Orleans the next year, and not being able to sleep in the same school — as it had become fully operational as a school once again thanks to the help received.

For Kaitlyn, and many others, the most rewarding part of home building and rehabilitation trips is the knowledge that the work they’re completing is directly helping those in need. “I’m most excited about getting back out there and making a direct impact,” Kaitlyn says. “You really don’t realize how fortunate you are. Going on these trips opens your eyes; these people would not get the help they need if it weren’t for organizations like Habitat for Humanity.”

Kaitlyn’s first international trip was to Brazil, and most recently she led the Habitat for Humanity trip to Portugal in 2019. Aside from helping those in need, the trips also allow volunteers to have a cultural experience. In Honduras, Kaitlyn took a tour of a coffee plantation and explored the Mayan ruins. On her next trip, she looks forward to experiencing Portuguese Christmas traditions and learning some Portuguese baking.

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity is very blessed to work with such a passionate and driven volunteer. From her very first Women Build event in Bridgewater, to all of the time and effort spent on our most recent home in Montgomery, Kaitlyn is an essential and valued part of the RV Habitat family.

If you’d like to support Kaitlyn Reper’s mission work, she is hosting a Panera Bread fundraiser on Tuesday, November 2nd, where a percentage of funds from all purchases will go toward her trip expenses. The fundraiser will be from 4pm – 8pm, and will be at the Panera located at 325 US Highway 202, Flemington, NJ 08822. The flyer for the fundraiser and link to donate are below.

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About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable home ownership opportunities for hard-working, local families. RV Habitat has built 140 homes internationally through tithing. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 330 Pluckemin, NJ 07978. For individuals (ages 16+) and groups who would like to volunteer on the Montgomery Township build site, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer.

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Click to see Flyer for Kaitlyn's Panera Fundraiser
Click to Support Kaitlyn's Trip

Homeownership Opportunity with RV Habitat

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Become a Homeowner with Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity!

Pluckemin, NJ (October 18, 2021) — Have you ever dreamed of owning your own home and providing strength, stability and self-reliance for yourself and your family? Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RV Habitat) is currently seeking one household for one side of a new low-income duplex home in Raritan Township (Hunterdon County), NJ.

This home will have 2 ½ bathrooms, and either 3 or 4 bedrooms depending on the number of people in the household. The price for the 3-bedroom home is $160,000 and the price for the 4-bedroom home is $175,000.

Potential homeowners for this project must qualify as low income according to the limits adopted by the NJ Council on Affordable Housing for Region 3 (Somerset, Hunterdon and Middlesex Counties). Other required qualifications can be found at www.rvhabitat.org/apply-now.

The selected future homeowner(s) will partner with RV Habitat to purchase their own home. They will be responsible for providing sweat equity hours—including time on the actual build site, in workshops, at the RV Habitat ReStore, and more–and for paying an affordable mortgage provided by RV Habitat.

To apply, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/apply-now. Preliminary applications are due on November 16, 2021. Once RV Habitat determines that applicants meet the low-income housing and RV Habitat underwriting requirements, full application and documentation are due on December 7, 2021. The final lottery to select from qualified applicants is on December 21, 2021.

Applicants must attend one webinar orientation in order to apply. To register for the orientation, visit www.rvhabitat.org/homeowner-orientation-schedule.

Attached is a downloadable flyer. To download an application, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/apply-now. For any questions or to request a paper application, please reach out to Jessica Abbott, Homeowner Services Manager, at (908)-704-0016 x. 117, or homeownerservices@rvhabitat.org . 

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About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable home ownership opportunities for hard-working, local families. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 330, Pluckemin, NJ 07879. For individuals (ages 16+) and groups who would like to volunteer on the Montgomery Township build site, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer.

Contact:
Brittany Powelson, Community Outreach Manager
bpowelson@rvhabitat.org
(908)-704-0016 x 114

Click here to Download Flyer

Three Cheers to 30 Years, Carpenter’s Club Press Release

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Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity announces New Exclusive Way to give, celebrates 30 year anniversary

Bedminster, NJ (August, 2021) — Three Cheers for 30 Years! In late July, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) celebrated its 30-year anniversary of serving Somerset and Hunterdon counties with a gathering and an announcement of their new regular giving club. The RVHFH Carpenter’s Club is a valued group of supporters who make recurring monthly or quarterly gifts to RVHFH, and will receive exclusive opportunities to build, shop with discounts, and connect with other like-minded people.

Carpenter’s Club members conveniently give through regular monthly or quarterly credit card donations or workplace payroll deductions. Regardless of the individual gift size, these recurring gifts make an incredible difference. These gifts provide Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity with a reliable stream of support which is vital for planning and growing our impact in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties.

Carpenter’s Club supporters align themselves with others with similar values and enjoy many member benefits, such as invitations to exclusive build days with other Carpenter’s Club members, an invitation to tour the completed homes before the future family moves in, camaraderie within the community, and discounted shopping at the Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore. 

For more information on how you can become a part of this rewarding new group, visit this link: https://rvhabitat.org/carpenters-club/.

At RVHFH’s event “Three Cheers to 30 Years”, Habitat homeowners, past and current board members, staff, donors and volunteers gathered at the site of RVHFH’s new office space to look back at the past, revel in the present, and plan for the future. Various members of the RVHFH community spoke about these different aspects of the organization, including Executive Director Melissa Flynn, current future homeowner Cicely Caldwell, and past and current Presidents of the Board, Meg Helms and Nuno Barboza. Reverend Ian Rankine, Pastor of the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, said a prayer before the evening began. As the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church owns the building that will serve as RVHFH’s new office, this event was not only a celebration of 30 years, but signified a wonderful new partnership between RVHFH and the church.

Guests attending the event were able to enjoy a delicious catered dinner from Luna Rossa in Bedminster, NJ with dessert afterwards and time to network in person with one another. For many, it was a time of safely reconnecting with friends and supportive community members. One homeowner in particular expressed her excitement towards reconnecting with Pam Ely, a past Executive Director at RVHFH. “I haven’t seen her since I was going through the process to become a homeowner myself!” she said excitedly. “She was Executive Director back then. I just talked to her a bit and it was so wonderful to see her again after so long.”

Images below are of various guests at the Three Cheers to 30 Years event and the Burd House, the building owned by Pluckemin Presbyterian Church that is serving as RVHFH’s new office space.

 

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About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable home ownership opportunities for hard-working, local families. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 6275 Bridgewater, NJ 08807. For individuals (ages 16+) and groups who would like to volunteer on the Montgomery Township build site, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer.

Contact:
Brittany Powelson, Community Outreach Manager
bpowelson@rvhabitat.org
(908)-704-0016 x 114

RVHFH and ReStore to Provide Hurricane Ida Relief

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Download Flyer
Download Application
Volunteer to Provide Relief

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Implementing Programs to Serve Those Impacted by Hurricane Ida

Somerville, NJ (September 7, 2021) — In response to the damage done from Hurricane Ida, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) is bringing people together to build homes, community and hope with the following:

  • A Brush With Kindness
  • ReStore Gift Card Drive
  • Fill the Truck Donation Drive
  • Offering free supplies to those in need

The pilot of the “A Brush with Kindness” program was in July of this year, and involved a large group of volunteers who gardened, cleaned, and provided small repairs for low- to moderate – income homeowners. RVHFH is seeking volunteers who are interested in providing relief to those suffering from hurricane damage, and who are physically able to perform home clean-ups and small repairs. For information on how to volunteer, please visit https://rvhabitat.org/individual-volunteer/.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by Hurricane Ida and would like assistance with clearing items out of the home, sanitizing, shop vacuuming, brush cleanup and other small repairs, you can find the application at www.rvhabitat.org/hurricane-ida-relief/. To return completed applications, please:

  • Scan or take a photo of completed application and email to homeownerservices@rvhabitat.org
  • Mail completed applications to P.O. Box 330, Pluckemin, NJ 07978
  • Drop completed applications off in person to the Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore, at 110 North Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835

The Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore is also offering an option for shoppers to purchase ReStore gift cards for families in need. Gift cards will be distributed to these families to purchase furniture, household items and home repair items. Families and homeowners in need may also stop by the ReStore in person, where they will be offered donated home repair and relief items for free, such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper towels, and cleaning and laundry supplies.

During the week of September 7th, 2021, the ReStore is also hosting a Fill the Truck donation drive in the parking lot. Bring any non-perishable food items, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, baby food, laundry supplies and bottled water to donate. All donations made will be given to local food pantries in Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity aims to build homes, communities and hope through affordable housing. RVHFH feels it is their duty to serve and improve the lives of those living in the community in any way possible, especially when homes are devastated by natural disasters. The programs mentioned above are open to anyone living in Somerset and Hunterdon counties, and RVHFH will be doing whatever they can to provide the services necessary.

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About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) puts God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is a time when everyone in Hunterdon and Somerset counties has a decent place to live. Since 1991, RV Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable home ownership opportunities for hard-working, local families. To support these projects by making a donation, please visit www.rvhabitat.org/give or mail a donation to Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 6275 Bridgewater, NJ 08807. For individuals (ages 16+) and groups who would like to volunteer on the Montgomery Township build site, visit rvhabitat.org/volunteer

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