CNBNews

 for Affordable Homeownership in Gloucester County

The cost of purchasing a home, and paying back a mortgage, in New Jersey can be a problem for many.  The process and paperwork can also be overwhelming. 

Helping to ease the burden, Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH) has been providing low- to moderate-income residents with opportunities for homeownership since 1986.  The mission is to provide safe, decent, affordable homes and improve the quality of life for families in need.

Through GCHFH’s Affordable Homeownership Program, future homeowners are selected based on need, willingness to partners, and their ability to pay a mortgage.  Throughout the 18-month program, the homebuyers take financial education classes designed to build a solid foundation for long-term personal success.  Along with classes, homeowners complete 350 volunteer hours, also known as “sweat equity,” by building their Habitat home and the homes of others in the program.  This provides an opportunity for clients to work alongside volunteers while bringing their dream to life.

GCHFH relies on donations to support the Affordable Homeownership Program, as well as other much-needed resources.  State Farm recently presented GCHCH with a $10,000 grant.

“At State Farm, part of our mission is to help people realize their dreams,” says State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst Jennifer Young.  “This is why we have been a supporter of Habitat for Humanity International since 1994 and have been providing grant funding to GCHCH for the past three years.  In addition to the financial support, our agents and employees volunteer their time for this great cause.  We recently had a group of employees help with a GCHCH home build and then several agents volunteered in the ReStore.”

The GCHFH model ensures that expenses are affordable for their homeowners.  Mortgage payments are guaranteed to be no more than 30% of the family’s monthly gross income at the time of closing.  In addition to the benefits for the new homeowners, building safe, affordable homes generates more spending and creating jobs in neighborhoods, and forms a strong sense of community.

"We are incredibly grateful to have partners like State Farm, who recognize the importance and impact of their financial and volunteer support for organizations like ours so we can continue to build homes, communities, and hope in our neighborhoods,” says GCHFH's Executive Director, Ashley Griffiths. “Together, we can make the American Dream of homeownership a reality for everyone who is looking for the opportunity to purchase their own safe, affordable home."