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Burlington County Habitat for Humanity was formed in 1987 as an outgrowth of a United Way housing task force. It is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an ecumenical Christian movement based in Americus, Georgia, with projects in 50 states and over 70 countries. Habitat's goal is to eliminate substandard housing, to build relationships and communities as well as houses, and to make decent housing for everyone a matter of conscience. Habitat builds or renovates houses using as much volunteer labor and donated material as possible. Houses are sold with a zero interest mortgage to a family whose existing housing is inadequate. Our partner families contribute 500 hours of "sweat equity" towards the completion of one of our homes. Money from mortgage payments is recycled to provide more housing. By working together as partners, volunteers and owners transcend differences in culture, status, and race, and experience their common heritage as God's children. Burlington County Habitat has given priority to projects that are expected to stabilize existing neighborhoods. We also give priority to applicant families with young children because children are the most vulnerable to inadequate housing. Our projects can consist of either rehabilitating distressed single family houses, or construction of new homes through sponsorships and In Kind donations. We continue to seek available properties in several communities within the county, both to call attention to widespread need and to promote local participation. We have built new homes and/or "gut-rehabbed" existing homes in Beverly, Palmyra, Pemberton, Burlington City, Mount Holly, and Bordentown. As a grass-roots movement, Habitat for Humanity is decentralized and accepts no direct government funds. Habitat International provides policy guidelines, technical assistance, and resources to affiliate projects. However, Burlington County Habitat is an autonomous not-for-profit corporation. Its projects must be supported by local funds. Substantial tax exempt contributions of money, materials and services are needed on a continuing basis to acquire sites and support the labor of Habitat volunteers working toward our vision that everyone deserves a simple decent home.
Copyright 2007 - Habitat for Humanity, Burlington County, NJ
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