Foundations on Belleview Avenue in Cinnaminson are ready for the six modular homes (right) being built across the street. The pre-fabricated houses are part of an affordable-housing development.
Home ownership is a hopeful dream for many struggling families, especially with the high monthly cost of renting an apartment and high interest rates on mortgages.
Thanks to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity of South Central Jersey (SCNJ), that dream has come true for 385 people in Burlington, Camden, Mercer and Atlantic counties, as well as portions of Middlesex, over the past 38 years.
On Nov. 22, SCNJ broke ground on a new affordable-housing development on Belleview Avenue in Cinnaminson, marking the beginning of construction for six new homes. Three short weeks later, on Dec. 13, the new modular homes were placed on foundations.
“These are pre-fabricated modular homes we have been using for the past six years. SCNJ chief development officer Annie Fox said. “We order them four months in advance. These six homes will be ready by the third week of December. Three are designated for veterans and three are for income-qualified families.”
The homes are being built with the help of future homeowners, who will contribute sweat equity alongside Habitat staff and volunteers throughout the construction process. The unique approach ensures that homeowners form strong bonds with their community.
“We have a very high success rate,” noted Fox, who credited the SCNJ department that works with the families. “We have a mentorship program for pre- and post-purchase support.”
A 2008 graduate of Lenape High School, Fox earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Rutgers-Camden and became a pre-K teacher. She started the 4 Paws Dog Rescue, and during a fundraiser in 2014, she met SCNJ’s CEO Lori Leonard.
“She asked me, ‘Do you want a job?” recalled Fox, who was recently honored for her 10 years of service to the SCNJ. “I accepted. The mission resonated with me very strongly. It was a ‘meant to be’ moment for me.”
Her father, the late Michael J. Fox, was a carpenter.
“He built our house in Mount Laurel, she recalled. “He had us three girls working on a sewer pipe and using a backhoe. I have come full circle.”
The SCNJ also has a Veterans Build program and makes free repairs to their homes, including new roofs and HVAC services.
“We get a lot of calls for veterans who do not have heat in the winter,” Fox explained.
“We are thrilled to once again bring affordable home ownership to the Cinnaminson community,” Leonard noted at the recent groundbreaking. “Each of these homes represents a new beginning for hard-working families who will finally have a safe and stable place to call their own.
“Our mission is to not only build homes, but to build brighter futures for our neighbors.”
Also at the groundbreaking were township Mayor Paul Conda, Burlington County Commissioner Balvir Singh, Orlando Salas of Fair Share Housing, community leaders, Cinnaminson Middle School National Honor Society students and enthusiastic Habitat volunteers.
Leonard pointed out that the occasion was made possible by the township, which donated the six building lots and was generously supported by funding from the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Families will pay no more than 30% of their income for their mortgage, including principal, interest, taxes and insurance. Each home is fully Energy Star-rated, designed to reduce utility costs and promote environmental sustainability.
To follow the progress of the project, go to @HabitatSCNJ. To support the families moving into the new homes, visit www.habitatscnj.org/donate and reach out to lvanbooven@habitatscnj.org for volunteer opportunities.
