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Community Corner

MORRIS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SETS HIGH GOALS BUT NEEDS SUPPORT FOR 2014

The supply of affordable housing in Morris County can’t keep pace with the escalating need.  Morris Habitat for Humanity is doing everything it can to help with this problem.  For 2014 their goal is to have nine building starts and complete eight homes.  In total, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, they will be working on 19 homes at 8 different locations during the year.  Additionally, they have a total of 86 homes in various stages of development through 2019.  But all this can’t be accomplished without substantial funding and additional volunteer help.

 

Only by raising community awareness of the need for safe, decent and affordable housing, can Morris Habitat complete its’ mission.  Even though it may be hard to believe, right now, right here in Morris County, many families are struggling just to pay their rent.  These families and individuals work in our retail stores, hospitals, schools, day care centers and local businesses.  People we see every day but may not know their situation.

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Almost 25 percent of Morris County households, nearly 41,000, struggle with housing costs.  The affordable housing supply can’t keep pace with the escalating need.  One of Morris Habitat’s newest “homeowners in progress,” Mike and Dina Artale shared their story.  Mike has his own potato chip delivery route and Dina works two part-time jobs, as a kindergarten enrichment teach and with a job recruitment firm.  Their two children, a son and daughter, share a room in their two-bedroom rental unit.  Now, thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, they are partnering with Morris Habitat to build their new home in Madison.  As Dina said, “Morris Habitat has given my children a chance to live in one place for the rest of their childhoods.  With this we will finally have the security, reassurance and stability we so need.”

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Building projects continue all winter long.  Financial assistance and volunteers make stories like those of the Artale’s a reality.  Consider how you might help.  Whether it’s out at a building site, learning new skills, helping in the Habitat office or Restore, or donating funds or good used items to be sold at the ReStore, Morris Habitat welcomes your interest.

 

For more information on the many ways available to help Morris Habitat, go to the web site at http://www.morrishabitat.org, or call 973-891-1934.  Stephani Buonaroto, Director of Volunteer Services would be happy to help you join the “Morris Habitat team.”

 

 

About Morris Habitat for Humanity

Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles by building homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions.  Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.  

Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 280 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. Morris Habitat has set a goal of 9 housing starts for 2014, completing 19 homes at 8 different sites during the year. In addition, proceeds from the ReStore, opened May 2007, have built 11 homes and diverted almost 4,000 tons of useable material out of landfills.  Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph. Store hours: Tues 12 - 8 p.m., Wed & Fri 10  - 6 p.m., Thur 10 - 8 p.m., Sat 10 - 5 p.m.  

For more information about Morris Habitat call 973-891-1934  or visit www.MorrisHabitat.org.  To learn about the ReStore call 973-366-3358  or go to www.morrishabitat.org

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