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Sustainability Takes Center Stage: Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Celebrates First Recycled Home Dedication

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Jamie Williams cuts the ribbon to her new home with Raritan Valley Habitat Construction Staff

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.

hops for homes flyer

Announcing Hops for Homes

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hops for homes flyer

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity to Hold First Hops for Homes Event

Edison, NJ – Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity invites the community to join them for Hops for Homes, a lively fundraising event taking place at Cypress Brewing in Edison. Mark your calendars for July 23, from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m., as a portion of all sales during this event will directly support Raritan Valley Habitat’s mission to build and repair affordable housing in Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Hops for Homes offers an opportunity to indulge in delicious local craft beer while making a meaningful impact in the community. Cypress Brewing will serve a tempting selection of their finest craft beers, allowing attendees to savor unique flavors and support a worthy cause.

“We are thrilled to partner with Cypress Brewing for Hops for Homes, a fundraising event that combines the love for craft beer with our shared commitment to affordable housing,” said Raymond Fry, Communications Specialist at Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity. “By attending this event, guests can enjoy a great time while directly contributing to our efforts in creating safe and affordable homes for families in need.”

Exciting activities await guests at Hops for Homes:

Craft Beer Sampling: Immerse yourself in the world of local craft beer with Cypress Brewing’s delightful selection. Raise your glass, mingle with fellow supporters, and toast to the cause.

Corn Hole Tournament: Showcase your tossing skills in a friendly cornhole tournament. Grab a partner and compete for a chance to win the coveted “Brewer for the Day” prize, generously donated by Cypress Brewing. The tournament starts at 4:00 p.m., and the entry fee is $10.

Silent Auction: Take part in the lively bidding action at the silent auction, featuring fantastic items contributed by Cypress Brewing and Raritan Valley Habitat. Bid generously to support our mission and take home some remarkable prizes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable day of craft beer, camaraderie, and community spirit, all in support of Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity.

For more information about Cypress Brewing, please visit www.cypressbrewing.com.

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, working toward building a Veteran home in Somerville and growing our Repair Program. To support these projects by donating, 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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Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Announces Sydney Place Home Dedication Ceremony

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Williams Family

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Announces Sydney Place Home Dedication Ceremony

Franklin Township, NJ – Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce the upcoming Sydney Place Home Dedication Ceremony on July 22 at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place at 122 Sydney Place, Somerset, NJ 08873.

Originally built by Raritan Valley Habitat in 1999 as one half of a duplex, the Sydney Place home holds a special place as the organization’s first Recycled Home. This project exemplifies Raritan Valley Habitat’s commitment to sustainability and community revitalization.

The dedication ceremony will be attended by Jamie Williams and her family, the grateful Habitat homeowners for this house, who will express their joy and gratitude for the support they have received.

We cordially invite community members, partners, and the press to join us in celebrating this significant milestone. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP by contacting Jillian Kessler at jkessler@rvhabitat.org or (908) 704-0016 ext. 100.

Don’t miss this memorable event as we come together to celebrate the Sydney Place Home Dedication. Together, we continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of deserving families.

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, working toward building a Veteran home in Somerville, rehabilitating a home in Franklin Township and growing our Repair Program. To support these projects by donating, 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.

The Williams Family

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Selects Family for Rehabilitated Home in Somerset

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The Williams Family

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity Selects Family for Rehabilitated Home in Somerset

Bedminster, NJ (Feb. 17, 2023) Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (Raritan Valley Habitat) is excited to announce the selection of a new partner family to help rehabilitate and ultimately purchase a home in Somerset, New Jersey.

Jamie Williams is a single mom with three sons and one daughter: Eric (21), Jaimen (19), Jamila (13), and Jamil Jr. (9). As Somerset County natives, the Williams family is already rooted deeply in the community. Jamie works as a mini-bus driver for the Somerset County Department of Transportation. At the same time, Eric and Jaimen attend Rowan and Shippensburg University, respectively. The family is thrilled to partner with Raritan Valley Habitat to make their forever home in Somerset.

The Williams will work alongside volunteers, donors, and Raritan Valley Habitat employees to rehabilitate a single-family home on Sydney Place in Somerset, New Jersey. The family will contribute at least 250 hours toward working on their home, community support, and personal development. Once construction is complete, they will purchase the home.

The home on Sydney Place was initially built by Raritan Valley Habitat in 1999 as one-half of a duplex. Raritan Valley Habitat bought back the house last year with the intent to update and repair the home for a whole new Habitat partner family to achieve their dream of homeownership. This rehabilitation project is yet another step in the mission to build and maintain affordable housing in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties.

Raritan Valley 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, 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.

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, working toward building a Veteran home in Somerville and growing our Repair Program. To support these projects by donating, 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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“Habitat Saved My Life”: Bridgewater Resident Receives Vital Home Repair Assistance

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Volunteers help paint a home
Volunteers from Avison Young came out as part of their Annual Day of Giving.
Raritan Valley Habitat Construction Supervisor Larry Cascio Painting the Hessenthalers’ Home.

Bedminster, NJ (Oct. 4, 2022) Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (Raritan Valley Habitat) is proud to help Emma and Herbert Hessenthaler of Bridgewater, NJ rehabilitate their home.

The Hessenthalers have lived in their Bridgewater home for the past 42 years. Herbert, who has advanced Parkinson’s and A-fib, has been disabled for nearly sixteen years. This has kept him from being able to do any work around the house or even cut the grass. He is currently in hospital, where Emma has been going back and forth daily to help care for him.

Thanks to the assistance of volunteer groups from Verizon Wireless and Avison Young, Raritan Valley Habitat has been able to clean up the couple’s yard, perform minor carpentry repairs, replace the Hessenthalers’ mailbox and paint the home’s exterior.

“There are no words for your generosity,” says Emma Hessenthaler. “I didn’t expect such professional care, but God threw you people in our yard. You saved my life.”

As she travels between the hospital and home, Raritan Valley Habitat wants to ensure that Emma comes home to a safe and maintained home. The volunteers’ dedication has often caused Emma to cry tears of joy, and her gratitude has been reciprocated throughout the organization.

“Emma and Herbert have both been so appreciative of all the work our volunteers have done,” says Raritan Valley Habitat Construction Supervisor Larry Cascio. “Emma is brought to tears every time a group comes out, and that gratitude is something we want to show her as well. It has been an honor to help restore their home.”

Raritan Valley Habitat’s Home Safety and Repair program 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 (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, 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.

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