FAQs
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark
Policy
We are an independently chartered affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the largest nonprofit home builder worldwide. Although we work closely with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) , Habitat of Greater Newark operates independently of HFHI. Habitat of Greater Newark is responsible for raising funds locally to build locally. Contributions to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark help fund projects in Newark, Essex, Hudson and Union Counties, whereas contributions to Habitat for Humanity International help fund projects abroad. Also, Habitat of Greater Newark tithes to Habitat International to help build in over 70 countries around the world.
To build our community, we must practice community. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark works closely with our built-in network of local Habitat affiliates. As well, we collaborate with a number of federal, state and city funding organizations.
Although often mistaken for our founder, former President Jimmy Carter is our most famous volunteer! His involvement with Habitat for Humanity began in 1984 when he and his wife Rosalynn led a work group to New York City – the first annual Jimmy Carter Work Project. Ever since, both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter give a week of their time each year to build homes and raise awareness of the critical need for affordable housing.
HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda. Read more about HFHI here.
Nearly one-third of Newark residents live under the poverty line. The burden of high-cost rental housing forces families to make tough decisions daily that have a lasting negative impact on their lives, their children, and their communities. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, if you spend more than 30 percent of your annual income on housing, you may have trouble paying for necessities such as food, electricity, and healthcare. Because of their Habitat home, children from low-income families can finally live in better housing conditions, which results in improved school performance, health, and future economic prospects.
Homeownership
Families selected for our program partner with our staff, volunteers, and donors to build decent, affordable homes in our community. Families work for a minimum of 200 sweat equity hours on their own house or other Habitat houses and purchase their homes with an income-based mortgage. Please read more about our Homeownership Program.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark builds homes, typically with units of two to four bedrooms. With our new construction projects, we make every effort to have the architectural design match the blocks where we are building. All homes are built with care for the family who will be living there and for the neighborhood where it is located.
On average, it costs about $150,000 to construct a new Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark home. We also receive donations from generous corporations, congregations, organizations, and individuals who are invested in their city and committed to creating affordable housing for everyone in Newark and Essex/Hudson/Union Counties communities.
Habitat Homes have affordable, income-based, 20-30 year mortgages. Mortgage payments vary depending on the size of the house, and monthly homeownership costs can also be affected by the cost of real estate taxes and homeowners insurance.
No upcoming first-time homeownership orientations scheduled at this time. Please continue to check our website for updates.
Volunteering
Please check our volunteer calendar or reach out to Vanessa, our Deputy Director of Fund Development & Corporate Engagement at vbazydlo@habitatnewark.org.
Our volunteer days are Tuesday-Saturday. The day begins at either 9am or 9:30am, depending on location and ends at 3:30pm. Check our volunteer calendar or reach out to Vanessa, our Deputy Director of Fund Development & Corporate Engagement at vbazydlo@habitatnewark.org if you have a date in mind.
Please email Vanessa, our Deputy Director of Fund Development & Corporate Engagement at vbazydlo@habitatnewark.org.
Please email Vanessa, our Deputy Director of Fund Development & Corporate Engagement at vbazydlo@habitatnewark.org.
Family Services
Our Critical Repair program on hold unless you are low-to moderate-income, a veteran, a PSEG customer in need of weatherization improvements, a resident of East Orange, or a resident of Elizabeth. Find out more about the Critical Repair program here.
We provide and install smoke detectors through our partnership with the American Red Cross but not carbon monoxide detectors. Email gbernal@habitatnewark.org to set up your appointment.
Yes! Please make an appointment before coming to our office. Serving the community is important to us and we want to make sure we set aside the appropriate amount of time to speak with you. Email gbernal@habitatnewark.org to set up your appointment.
ReStore
Yes, our ReStore is now open in Fairfield, NJ. The address is:
445 Route 46 West
Fairfield, NJ 07004
Phone: 973-840-7442
Visit the ReStore website at habitatnewarkrestore.org
Contact Us
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark, Inc.
P.O. Box 32189
Newark, NJ 07102
973-624-3330
info@habitatnewark.org
