There was excitement in the air on the afternoon of June 11, as the staff of Habitat for Humanity of South Central Jersey prepared to welcome six families into their new Cinnaminson homes.
“We’re really excited and happy about how the houses turned out,” said Habitat for Humanity’s chief development officer Annie Fox, who, along with resource engagement specialist Kim Plasket and several other staff members, were preparing for the grand opening.
“It’s wonderful for our families, who can grow and thrive in their new homes,” Fox added. “We finished the homes ahead of schedule.”
“With hundreds of hours of hard work, dedication and learning, six more families have made their dreams a reality,” noted Habitat CEO Lori Leonard. “From financial classes and homeowner preparation seminars, to painting walls and cutting trim directly at our building sites, their journeys with Habitat for Humanity are stories of resilience and strength.
“These homes represent more than just buildings,” she added. “They are places of security, stability and belonging, crafted with care, compassion and hope. Today, we proudly celebrate together as our new neighbors step into a fresh chapter of their lives.”
Habitat for Humanity broke ground for the new homes in the East Riverton section of the township on Nov. 22 and placed the modular twin homes on their foundations in December. The structures were built with the help of future homeowners, who contributed sweat equity alongside Habitat staff and volunteers throughout the construction process.
That approach ensures that homeowners take pride in their new homes while forming strong bonds with their community.
“We have a very high success rate,” observed Fox, crediting the Habitat home ownership service department that works with families. “We have a mentorship program for pre- and post-purchase support.”
All of the families put in many hours of sweat equity, working directly on building at Habitat sites and learning the financial skills to successfully obtain an affordable mortgage and purchase a home, according to Fox. All Habitat partner families purchase houses with 30-year mortgages and payments that are no more than 30% of their household incomes.
The six two- or three-bedroom, two-story units feature energy-efficient heat and air conditioning; modern bathrooms; kitchens with refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves; washers and dryers; front porches and green lawns.
“For the new homeowners, these houses are more than just buildings – they represent an opportunity to build long-term financial stability and security,” Leonard said. “Every home we build isn’t just a roof and four walls – it’s a foundation for a better future.”
This momentous 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. she added.
The following are Habitat bios of the new homeowners:
Melissa: She has worked in an office for four years. Melissa and her three children had been living in Pennsauken for two years and paying thousands a month in rent, leaving little room in the budget for other expenses. Melissa found out about Habitat and the chance for homeownership from a friend who urged her to apply for the program. She says the opportunity means the world to her. On her own since age 17, Melissa has moved multiple times. As a new homeowner, she looks forward to her own schedule and not having to cope with a leasing office. She can’t wait to cook in her own kitchen.
Adrienne: She works as a customer service representative. In her early 40s, Adrienne has been living in Pennsauken with both her parents and her two brothers. The home is overcrowded, and she and her toddler daughter share a very small room. She looks forward to the stability of a Habitat home, and the room for her daughter to grow.
Rosa: A dedicated office employee at a local hospital system, Rosa has been living with her two children in Camden, sharing a home with extended family and contributing to household expenses. She recently learned about Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homeownership program from her mother, who knew how deeply Rosa longed to provide a permanent home for her children. Rosa says the opportunity means more than just having a place to live, but a chance to build a stable future for her family. “This means everything to me,” she enthused. “I can’t wait to see the excitement on my kids’ faces when I finally tell them and show them our new home.”
Sylvia: Sylvia and her 19-year-old daughter have been living in a rental property in Pennsauken for the past five years. Sylvia works at her job, while her daughter is working toward her college degree. Ready to move into their brand-new community, they are both looking forward to a space of their own and to meeting their new neighbors!
Teneweti: She will be moving to Cinnaminson along with her 1-year-old son and young daughter. Teneweti is a security officer in Trenton, where she had been renting an apartment. She recently had to move in with her family after her landlord sold the property they were living in. They are especially looking forward to the space and stability their new three-bedroom home will give them.
Raneta: She works as a care manager supervisor. Faced with complications surrounding daily expenses over the years, Raneta was searching for a way to own a home. A realtor told her about Habitat’s affordable home-ownership opportunities, and she soon applied and qualified for a two-bedroom the township. Along with changing her life, Raneta’s home will have a huge impact on her two sons, ages 7 and 8, bringing them a thriving community, access to great schools and a lasting place to grow up in.
Wednesday, June 11 was a big day for all six families as they received the keys to their new home, thanks to Habitat SCNJ.
