RELEASE
Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity Receives $888,147 State Funding for New Home Construction in Roxbury Township
RANDOLPH, N.J. February 13, 2025 – Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity (GMM Habitat) announced today that it has received $888,147 in state funding from the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NJAHTF). This grant will support the construction of three single-family homes in the Kenvil section of Roxbury Township, providing much-needed affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families.
This latest funding marks the fourth grant awarded to GMM Habitat by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA), bringing the total funding received to nearly $3 million. These funds have been instrumental in the construction of 19 new affordable homes to date.
“We are so grateful to the state's leaders for this funding and their commitment to making housing affordable to its residents” said Liz DeCoursey, CEO of GMM Habitat. “The NJAHTF grant is essential to each project, and without these state funds, our projects could be delayed years until enough funds are raised through other fundraising efforts.”
Over the next two years, GMM Habitat plans to submit additional grants to build another 125 affordable homes. DeCoursey estimates these next 12 grants to build the 125 homes will total approximately $20 million.
“There is no down time, DeCoursey added. “We never stop working to identify properties and projects throughout Morris and Middlesex Counties. The need is too great, and individuals and families are waiting, often in desperate situations. The funding provided by the NJAHTF grant is crucial. With these funds, we can deliver new homeownership opportunities faster and more efficiently.”
Through collaborations and partnerships with municipalities, GMM Habitat has developed a robust project pipeline. Towns often donate property or contribute funding from their municipal housing trust funds. In turn, the homes are deed restricted to remain affordable for 30 years and can be included in the municipality’s Fair Share Plan to assist with their affordable housing obligations. This partnership model not only expands access to affordable housing but also directly helps towns meet their state-mandated obligations, ensuring long-term housing stability for residents while strengthening communities.
According to DeCoursey, “Without such initiatives, municipalities may struggle to fulfill their affordable housing commitments, making the role of Habitat’s work even more critical.
DeCoursey added that GMM Habitat has plans for an additional 150 homes at various stages of planning and approvals. Plans to apply for the NJAHTF grants for these projects are estimated at $25 million.
Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity is one of 14 Habitat affiliates in New Jersey. All affiliates are either actively submitting NJAHTF grant applications or anticipate applying in the future. Collectively, these affiliates are working to maximize the impact of state funding, ensuring that more families across New Jersey have access to safe, affordable housing. By leveraging the NJAHTF, the entire Habitat network in the state is accelerating the development of affordable homes, addressing both local and statewide housing challenges.
About Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity
Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization, Habitat for Humanity International, committed to building homes, communities, and hope. The organization, which is one of the leading builders of affordable housing in New Jersey, serves 68 municipalities in Morris and Middlesex Counties and the greater Plainfield area. Through volunteer labor and monetary donations and materials, Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat builds affordable new homes and provides home repair services to income eligible families and individuals. Now in its 40th year, Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat has served nearly 1,100 families through building more than 200 local homes, preserving 531 homes for low-income homeowners and seniors, and helping 383 families with housing solutions worldwide. The local affiliate organization has engaged more than 150,000 volunteers in its various programs. Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat also operates a successful ReStore home improvement and furnishings outlet in Randolph which has kept 21,772 tons of reusable materials out of landfills and funded 42 homes since 2007.
For more information, visit gmmhabitat.org or call 973-891-1934.