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WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Our Mission
Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, ecumenical
Christian housing ministry with the goal of making decent,
affordable housing available to every family worldwide. Raritan
Valley Habitat for Humanity (RVHFH) is committed to achieving that
goal in Somerset and Hunterdon counties.
Annual Report
Recognition
Committees
Board & Staff
Why Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing is one of the most pressing needs facing central
New Jersey. According to the Coalition on Affordable Housing, a
family needs to earn $46,560 to afford fair market rent of $1,164
for a two-bedroom apartment in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. More
than 25 percent of area families fall below this income threshold.
As a result, many hard-working central New Jersey families are
forced to spend too much of their income on housing, leaving too
little for food, clothing, health care, and other necessary
expenses.
The Habitat Program
RVHFH builds permanent affordable housing for low-income families
via a cooperative, volunteer effort. RVHFH volunteers find the site,
raise the funds, and select a family for each new home. Then, the
selected family works side by side with RVHFH and community
volunteers on the construction of their new home. The family
purchases the home upon completion with the help of a zero-interest
mortgage provided by Habitat. Once they purchase the house, they are
responsible for home maintenance and for monthly payments of
principal, taxes, insurance and utilities. Mortgage payments are
recycled to fund the construction of more houses. To insure the
continued availability of affordable housing in the community, the
deeds to the properties are restricted.
Who we serve
RVHFH works exclusively with low–income families, those who earn
30-50% of median income. In addition to meeting these income
guidelines, families must show that:
- they have a need for better housing
- they are willing to contribute their own labor to the
construction of their home,
- they are legal residents, and
- they have a good credit and work history
Families are selected for home ownership via a nondiscriminatory
process.
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