Benebone “Pawrtners” On Another Home in Hamilton!

Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey and Benebone have partnered together once more to bring an affordable homeownership opportunity to Mercer County; this time, in the heart of Hamilton Township. Key staff, volunteers, and supporters attended alongside community leaders like Mayor Jeff Martin to break ground on a new home that will be sold to an income-qualified family in the coming year.

Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey (Habitat SCNJ), a local housing nonprofit, and Benebone, a leading brand of durable chew toys for dogs, first set out to build homes, community, and hope together in 2021 when they built a new affordable home in Ewing. The home’s location was close to the birthplace of Benebone founder, Peter Toolan, and made for a special connection to the project. Benebone supported the project in its entirety, from pouring the foundation to installing the front door, by providing a Full House Sponsorship and volunteers on the work site. Benebone has also spent the last year connecting with and donating to local dog rescues, uplifting both hands and paws in the community. Most recently, Benebone awarded three scholarships to local service dog trainers/students from 4 Paws for Ability.

Since celebrating the homecoming of the family who purchased the Ewing house back in February, the Benebone team has been eager to help out with the next project. Because the Toolans have spent much time in Mercer County, it just made sense to join Habitat on their upcoming home build in Hamilton. Together, they will provide a local, hardworking family with a safe place to call home that will be nestled in the neighborhood behind Hamilton West High School. The project will be streamlined through the use of modular construction, and the two-story home will be set on its foundation later this fall. This means the home will come equipped with major features already installed, making it ready for Benebone employees and local volunteers to come out to the work site and take on projects like painting, porch building, and landscaping.

“We are incredibly excited to be joining forces with Benebone again,” expressed Lori Leonard, Habitat SCNJ’s CEO.  “Jim, Peter, and the team at Benebone are a truly passionate bunch who are dedicated to the community. From the hard work they put in volunteering on the work site to their outreach connection with local dog rescues – everything they do, they do with great care. We’re so lucky to have them by our side for this affordable homeownership project in Hamilton. They’re such amazing ‘pawrtners’ to us!”

Peter, along with his father Jim Toolan, founded Benebone in 2012 and has led the company to much success through its growing line of durable chew products for dogs. Now, they’re determined to give a local family the “paw-up” they need to build a brighter future for themselves, their family, and their furry loved ones. Benebone’s Full House Sponsorship does just that and provides critical support to Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program by ensuring the timely completion of a home to be purchased by a local family with an affordable mortgage.

“At Benebone, we’re committed to improving the lives of those around us,” said Peter Toolan. “We’ve been humbled and inspired by Habitat’s continuing commitment to lend a helping paw to families in need.  Our tails are wagging to start building this home.”

Folks can follow this affordable housing journey and stay up to date on key events like the home dedication ceremony through Benebone’s (@myBenebone) and Habitat’s (@HabitatSCNJ) social media pages. Interested in helping a local family’s dream of homeownership come true? Shop at Habitat SCNJ’s ReStores in Hamilton, Maple Shade, and Egg Harbor, volunteer by contacting kwittman@HabitatSCNJ.org, or simply donate at www.hfhbmc.org/donate.