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. “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 atwww.gphabitat.org. Interested families should fill out the “Housing Interest Form” for receive email updates and notifications of future application deadlines.