Habitat For Humanity Cuts Ribbon On New Home In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Morris Habitat for Humanity handed over the keys to a new home in Washington Township at its house dedication on Thursday.

The event took place at the home, located on Settlers Ridge Court, on Jan. 25. The celebration brought together the new homeowner, government officials, volunteers, donors and staff who partnered together to complete the new home.

“Today is truly a joyous occasion,” said Liz DeCoursey, Morris Habitat CEO. “We are celebrating with Syreeta, who will soon be moving into this beautiful house and calling this home. Syreeta and her children have worked hard, putting in their 'sweat equity’ building their own home. She has worked on the construction site and in our ReStore side by side with our staff and volunteers.”

The new construction, a four-bedroom home with two bathrooms and a full basement, sits on a cul-de-sac with six wooded acres on Settler’s Ridge. The land, which backs up to a conservation easement, was donated by a subsidiary of Lakeland Bank, Morris Habitat for Humanity said.

The house is being given to Syreeta, a social worker and single mother of four children ages 3, 10, 16 and 24.

“Homeownership that is affordable is truly a dream come true,” Syreeta said. “This has been a journey for me and my family, and I am thankful for all the volunteers. It really does take a village.”

Morris Habitat extends a supportive hand, not merely a handout, to individuals aspiring to become homeowners. Prospective homeowners are required to contribute 300–400 hours toward constructing their own residences, assisting in the building of fellow Habitat homeowners' homes, or engaging in volunteer roles, such as serving at Morris Habitat's ReStore.

“I cannot be happier to welcome you to Washington Township. We are a community that cares. We love our neighbors, and we welcome you with open arms,” Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello said.

Murello also shared how he and his son dedicated their time to volunteering on panels for the Settler’s Ridge home back in June 2021. He noted that the home includes interior studs where he inscribed his heartfelt well wishes for the future family during its construction.

Wall signings are a custom for Morris Habitat, officials said.

Morris Habitat for Humanity is a member of a global, nonprofit housing organization dedicated to the construction of homes, communities and hope.

The organization builds affordable new homes and provides home repair services to low-income families using volunteer labor and donations of money and materials. Morris Habitat for Humanity has served over 1,000 families since 1985 by constructing 188 local homes, preserving 431 homes for low-income and senior residents, and assisting 373 families worldwide with housing solutions.

Over 150,000 people have volunteered for the local affiliate organization's various activities. Morris Habitat also operates a booming ReStore in Randolph, thereby diverting 17,588 tons of reusable materials from landfills and financing the construction of 36 houses.