Due in part to a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) COVID-19 Response Fund, Habitat for Humanity of Burlington and Mercer Counties was able to help families of essential workers in need of assistance and relief.
Together they assisted five families in fulfilling mortgage obligations, thereby avoiding potential displacement when the moratorium on evictions was lifted. Along with mortgage assistance, Habitat for Humanity was able to use the funding to help build permanent homes, which in turn transforms lives and strengthens communities.
“We believe that every New Jersey resident should have access to a healthy, stable home,” said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer. “Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity, we are proud to help provide access to economic opportunity and resiliency that comes with homeownership. As we emerge from the pandemic, Habitat’s work is vital to ensure that the most vulnerable families impacted will have the support they need to thrive.”
“Easing of health restrictions means volunteer opportunities are growing, and all hearts, hands, and hammers available are needed,” said Annie Fox, Director of Resource Development. “I am encouraged by the strength and resilience of this community. Despite the challenging circumstances, we have broadened our scope to include Atlantic County, built three homes in Springfield, and have seen multiple home dedications. We are impacting more and more people every day as we grow our volunteer base.”
The South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund was launched in March of 2020. It is currently the only private campaign focused solely on the eight-county Southern New Jersey region. It was established to provide flexible grant dollars to nonprofits helping South Jersey neighbors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The needs of local nonprofit organizations remain significant as we bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on how individuals or organizations can make a donation, funding priorities, and how to apply for a grant, please visit southjerseyresponsefund.org.
