As we come to the end of 2020, one of the things we can likely all agree on is how important our homes have become to us. Paterson Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization working in local communities in Passaic County, NJ to make safe and affordable housing a reality for more families. Paterson Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, and since 1984 Paterson Habitat has made that vision a reality for over 300 families.
Paterson Habitat works toward their vision by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable homes. Paterson Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
The 35-year-old home building organization also understands that it is critical to improve the quality of life, health, and safety of the communities in which they serve through neighborhood revitalization. Along with converting vacant lots into new homes, community gardens, and parks, Paterson Habitat also supports local youth development through job training and enrichment programs. Advocating for housing affordability is also an important part of Habitat’s mission.
While it’s been a challenging 8 months, Paterson Habitat has adjusted to changing circumstances. The organization has been continually energized by being able to light the way home for seven families, in the midst of a pandemic. Seven more families now have safe, secure affordable places to call home during a time where home couldn’t be more important.
Paterson Habitat depends on volunteer support as well as financial donations to fund their work. The organization has seen significantly reduced volunteer numbers since the beginning of the pandemic, but their small dedicated six-person construction staff continue to build for future Habitat homeowners. The team is currently working hard to complete two more homes before the end of the year.
The need for safe, stable and affordable homes has never been greater and so Paterson Habitat’s response must be even greater. 2021 is going to be a busy and exciting year for Paterson Habitat with 6 homes currently under construction and 18 more in pre-development.
They can’t accomplish any of this critical work without you, because support from people like you is the most important piece of building hope with homes, together. To make a gift today and help families in need of a safe and stable place to call home, visit patersonhabitat.org/donate