One of the new homeowners, Wanda, has been on a quest to find affordable housing over the years, which led her further away from her family, increased her daily commute to work, and left her feeling isolated because the unsafe neighborhood kept loved ones from visiting. She wanted her next move to be safe and permanent, where she could feel connected to her community and welcome family for gatherings.
Wanda said her prayers were answered when she was selected for the Affordable Homeownership Program. She eagerly attended workshops and meetings with her mentor in preparation of closing on her home all while working full time. Now, Wanda is purchasing her home with an affordable mortgage that she can pay with her salary as a supervisor for the New Jersey Turnpike. Her home is also located beside a fellow Habitat Homeowner family, which offers her a feeling of familiarity in her new community.
Habitat for Humanity works year round to honor our local veterans who have sacrificed so much, yet ask for nothing in return. That’s why when local homeowner and Purple Heart Recipient, Ron Dash, reached out for a helping hand, we pulled out all the stops to make sure his home was all he needed it to be – safe, modern, and efficient – by replacing his roof.
Mr. Dash’s roof was worn down from years of tough wind and weather. It needed extensive repairs to the point of a total replacement, so we reached out to our friends at Owens Corning who connected us with ECC Roofing & Siding through the Roof Deployment Program to see if it was a job their team could reasonably take on. The crew at ECC was excited for the opportunity to serve a local vet in need and worked alongside us to make this project happen for Mr. Dash.
When Ebony heard about Habitat’s program through her daughter’s school, she immediately recognized the potential it held for her family. Having triumphed over many challenges in her life, including domestic violence, her focus was keenly on the safety and stability of her family.
Having shared a cramped 2-bedroom apartment, where her three teenage daughters shared a single room, Ebony’s determination to build a brighter future was fueled by a decade of renting, a divorce, and single-handedly raising her girls. The benefits of homeownership ignited a fire within her, a desire to secure a legacy of long-term equity for generations to come. Ebony and her daughters met the requirements of the program with vigor. As a full-time Certified Medical Assistant and mother to a college freshman, their dedication was no small feat either. Their commitment extended beyond paperwork as they wielded hammers alongside partner families and Benebone volunteers, forged a sense of community and shared purpose on the construction site and at the ReStore.
Now, in a home brimming with space and a garden-ready yard, Ebony’s dreams have materialized. At her home dedication, gratitude radiated from her words: “This has been a long awaited but right on time blessing and answered prayer. Thank you to Benebone, Habitat, staff, and partners for all that you have done.”
Prompted by a friend’s Facebook post about new homes available to purchase in Bordentown, Courtney ventured forward, a mixture of cautious optimism and excitement. The prospect of becoming a homeowner held the promise of security, independence, and the freedom from the uncertainties posed by landlords’ changing conditions. For Courtney, this new chapter signified an unwavering commitment to providing for her children on her single income working for the state.
Living in a 2-bedroom apartment, Courtney and her two children lacked personal space and the comfort of a yard. Their longing for stability and a genuine sense of belonging propelled Courtney towards seeking an opportunity to own a home. As her kids tread into adolescence, she strongly wishes to keep them in the same school system and provide them with their own space to grow.
The upcoming fall marks a pivotal moment for Courtney – the realization of her dream to own a home. She shares, “Habitat has already provided me with so much more confidence of owning a home. It’s scary and being provided with knowledge and support is empowering.” This sentiment encapsulates the profound impact of Habitat for Humanity’s guidance and care in her journey.