Sustainability Takes Center Stage: Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Celebrates First Recycled Home Dedication
Franklin Township, NJ – On July 22, 2023, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (Raritan Valley Habitat) was proud to hold a home dedication ceremony for their first Recycled Home at 122 Sydney Place in Franklin Township. The event marked a new beginning for Habitat homeowner Jamie Williams and her family as they moved into their new home.
The Sydney Place home, initially built by Raritan Valley Habitat in 1999 as one-half of a duplex, holds significance as the organization’s first Recycled Home. Already the site of a Habitat success story, this home will now serve as a launchpad for a new family to build strength, stability, and self-reliance for themselves.
“This house was originally built 25 years ago for Phyllis Miller and her children,” says Melissa Flynn, Raritan Valley Habitat Executive Director. “Phyllis raised her children in this house, paid it off, and built a brighter future for her family. It has been an incredible opportunity to be able to partner with Jamie, who will also receive blessings as a homeowner.”
In attendance at this event were representatives from the Franklin Township Police Department Community Relations Bureau and Somerset County Commissioner Paul Drake. Their presence served as a testament to the unwavering support and collaboration from law enforcement and local government authorities for this transformative housing initiative. The shared commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community was evident as they joined hands with Raritan Valley Habitat to celebrate the dedication of the Sydney Place home.
During the dedication, Jamie Williams and her family, the grateful Habitat homeowners, expressed joy and gratitude towards their family, Raritan Valley Habitat staff, volunteers, and the community for their unwavering support.
“I want to say thank you to everyone that made this day possible,” said Habitat homeowner Jamie Williams. “From the bottom of my heart, this is the best day of my life. Words cannot explain what this means to me.”
The ceremony concluded with Jamie cutting the ribbon and receiving the keys to her new home from members of the Raritan Valley Habitat build team including Danielle Matlack, Larry Cascio, and Adam Capone, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Habitat houses are truly community projects. Volunteers and generous donors fuel every step–from planning to building to homeowner support. Raritan Valley Habitat recognizes and thanks every volunteer that helped make this project a success.
About Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (Raritan Valley 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, Raritan Valley Habitat has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership opportunities.
Raritan Valley Habitat is currently building a duplex in Raritan Township for two new homeowner families, 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.