Morris Habitat Receives $3 Million in Funds for Randolph Project

Morris Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $3 million in federal funding to help construct the largest project in its 36-year history—25 new condominiums on the former E.A. Porter industrial site at 42 Bennett Avenue in Randolph, New Jersey. Funding for the project was secured by U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.

“Morris Habitat is thrilled by the news that we will be able to complete our project in Randolph that will change the lives of 25 families,” said Blair Schleicher Wilson, CEO of Morris Habitat for Humanity. “We recently had to stop construction on part of this project due to lack of funding so this legislation could not have come at a better time. Home ownership is the cornerstone of the American Dream. We are proud to be able to provide affordable housing so that families can put down roots here in Morris County, send their kids to great schools, and live that dream. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has always been a great friend to Morris Habitat and, on behalf of the entire organization, I want to thank her for her advocacy that made this possible.”

“Morris Habitat for Humanity is an incredible force in NJ-11, working across Morris County and the state to build homes and provide housing security. They are doing the work to make life in New Jersey more affordable and provide the housing stability that allows families to reach their full potential in careers and in school. I am proud to have led the efforts in the House to cut through bureaucratic red tape and secure funding for projects like this one that will have a direct impact on our local community,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I want to thank Morris Habitat for Humanity for all of the work they do in our community and for submitting for this project that will change the lives of families who will be able to call these houses home.”

The Crossings at Bennett Avenue is being constructed in partnership with Randolph Township, which donated the property in 2009. Four buildings will consist of one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos. Amenities will include a community meeting room, sidewalks and bike paths, outdoor picnic area, gazebo and playground. The complex will be handicap accessible and meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and safety. The project will be completed in phases with the first phase of 13 condos finished in late 2022 and the second phase of 12 condos completed in late 2023.

The future Randolph homeowners will contribute approximately 300 – 400 “sweat equity” hours toward building their own homes, helping in the ReStore, volunteering in a variety of ways to further Morris Habitat’s mission, and completing home ownership classes.

Morris Habitat for Humanity builds more than just homes—the organization empowers families to build brighter futures for generations to come. Home is the foundation to achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance that people need to shape a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. Additionally, every home constructed helps to strengthen the fabric and economies of local communities for all citizens.

In 2020, after celebrating 35 years of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for families in the Morris County area, Morris Habitat for Humanity expanded by acquiring the service area of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County. Both affiliates have long histories of helping families in their communities and the consolidation will strengthen the organization’s ability

to meet the shortage of affordable housing in New Jersey. The newly expanded affiliate is operating under the Morris Habitat name and maintains a second office at 2 Randolph Road in Plainfield. The acquisition effectively doubled Morris Habitat’s service area to 68 municipalities spanning 1,000 square miles in Morris, Middlesex and parts of Union and Somerset Counties.

ABOUT MORRIS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization committed to building homes, communities, and hope. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds affordable new homes and provides home repair services to income eligible families. Since 1985, Morris Habitat has served more than 780 families through building 172 local homes, preserving 325 homes for low-income and senior residents, and helping 282 families with housing solutions worldwide. The organization has engaged more than 140,000 volunteers for various programs. Morris Habitat also operates a successful ReStore home improvement outlet which has kept 13,500 tons of reusable materials out of landfills and funded 31 homes. For more information, visit MorrisHabitat.org or call 973-891-1934.