NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
MORRIS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND ROXBURY HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES RIBBON CUTTING FOR A NEW HOME FOR MOTHER AND SON
Roxbury, N.J., August 20, 2024--Morris Habitat for Humanity and Roxbury High School celebrated the near completion of a new home in Roxbury with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 15. The celebration brought together the soon-to-be Habitat homeowners, government and school officials, students, volunteers, donors and staff who partnered together to complete the new home in the Kenvil section of Roxbury.
“I am very thankful,” said the soon-to-be new homeowner, Maria Londono. “It’s an amazing opportunity for my son and me.” Londono was selected from a pool of ten qualified applicants during Morris Habitat’s recent random homeowner selection. She is a waitress working two jobs to support her young son and is excited to begin her homeownership journey. Londono will put in more than 200 hours of “sweat equity” toward building her home and in the Morris ReStore.
The modular home was built over two years by 35 students during their senior years in Roxbury High School’s Structural Design and Fabrication course. It is the second home constructed by the students in the award-winning program.
“Today we are celebrating what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Liz DeCoursey, CEO of Morris Habitat for Humanity. “This project has brought together Roxbury Township, the Roxbury School District and Morris Habitat for Humanity. We have come together, in partnership, to build a home.”
The ranch-style home, located on West Dewey Avenue, features two bedrooms, one full bathroom, a basement, attached garage and a spacious yard. The Township donated the land, along with a monetary contribution from their Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
"It was great to witness the beginning of a new chapter in our community,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “Habitat for Humanity does amazing work across New Jersey, and I have been proud to support their work. It is moments like this that remind us of what community is all about and I am incredibly grateful to be able to help welcome Maria and her family to their new home.”
About Morris Habitat for Humanity
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, Morris Habitat builds affordable new homes and provides home repair services to income eligible families and individuals. Since 1985,
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. Morris Habitat also operates a successful ReStore home improvement and furnishings outlet in Randolph which has kept 19,727 tons of reusable materials out of landfills and funded 39 homes. For more information, visit morrishabitat.org or call 973-891-1934.
Editor’s Note: Morris Habitat for Humanity is now operating under its new name, Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity.