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Two local Nonprofits Seek Interested Families for upcoming “Habitat for Heroes” Project

Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce Bergen, a New Jersey Connect Trustee, announced that the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County is collaborating with New Jersey Connect to build a new home for a disabled veteran and family as part of an initiative called “Habitat for Heroes.”   Interested families are being sought for the upcoming application period, launching in September 2015.

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hfhTwo local Nonprofits Seek Interested Families for upcoming “Habitat for Heroes” Project

Two local nonprofits continue the collaboration to begin a joint project.  Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County with New Jersey Connect will partner to build a new home for a disabled veteran and family for an initiative called “Habitat for Heroes.”   Interested families are being sought for the upcoming application period, launching in September 2015.

“We are excited to partner with New Jersey Connect and grateful to them for committing the initial funding of $50,000,” said Rev. Jeremy Montgomery, Executive Director of Greater Plainfield Habitat for Humanity. “We will be honored to work together alongside a disabled veteran and his or her family to provide an accessible and barrier-free home.”

New Jersey Connect was founded in 1994 by local Westfield resident Elisa Sananman to address the housing needs of people with physical disabilities, who can direct their own care yet seek accessible, non-institutional housing.  Fostering independent living and respect for individuality is the core philosophy behind the mission of the nonprofit organization.

Habitat for Humanity builds “simple and decent” homes affordably for families in need, such as this one on West Fourth Street in Plainfield.
Habitat for Humanity builds “simple and decent” homes affordably for families in need, such as this one on West Fourth Street in Plainfield.

“I am proud to work with these two outstanding organizations on this wonderful initiative,” commented Union County Freeholder Vice-Chairman Bruce Bergen, a New Jersey Connect Trustee. “Giving a disabled veteran the opportunity to purchase a barrier–free, affordable home is one substantive way to show our appreciation for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to keep our nation safe.”

As is required of all new Habitat homeowners, veterans selected to partner with “Habitat for Heroes” will repay zero-interest loans covering the costs of new home.  Loan amounts will be determined on a sliding scale based on the veteran’s income to ensure affordability for the veteran’s family.   The program works to help veterans get back on their feet and live their lives with dignity, respect, and a feeling of community.

Affordable housing solutions for veterans and military members have become a priority in U.S. policy over the recent years, and Habitat for Humanity is a leading organization in providing solutions.  In fact, more than 45% of veterans need help finding a job and 37% of veterans need help finding housing.  Habitat for Humanity engages veterans as volunteers, homeowners and employees through their Repair Corps program, an initiative funded by The Home Depot Foundation to help repair, renovate or construct the homes of U.S. veterans.

“This is our small way to give back to those who have sacrificed so much,” describes Charles Newman, President of New Jersey Connect and Director Union County Office for the Disabled.  “Working with the sterling reputation of Habitat for Humanity, our new ‘Habitat for Heroes’ initiative can turn tragic times for our community’s disabled veterans into hopeful futures.”

For more information on the “Habitat for Heroes” project, view the interactive website of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County at www.gphabitat.org.  Interested families should fill out the “Housing Interest Form” for receive email updates and notifications of future application deadlines.

 

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County

Founded over 26 years ago, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is committed to improving the lives of low-income families by helping them build and buy their own simple, decent homes.  Habitat offers families a hand up, not a hand out.  Every partner family devotes at least 200 hours per adult of sweat equity to help build their home or a neighbor’s home and secures a 0% mortgage provided by Habitat.  To date, thirty‐nine homes locally have been built totally by volunteer labor using donations of money and materials from the community – with seven homes under construction in the coming year.  To volunteer, donate, or own a Habitat home, visit www.gphabitat.org.