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.
