Morris Habitat Group Unveils Largest Housing Project With 25 Homes

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Morris Habitat For Humanity celebrated the completion of its largest-ever project on a former industrial site in Randolph on Thursday.

Officials said the ceremony marked the completion of the first 13 condominiums — another 12 are planned — at the former industrial site.

Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers and Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw were among the local officials who attended a dedication ceremony to welcome 13 families into their new homes at the Crossings at Bennett Avenue.

Residents will begin to move in this summer, officials said.

“We’re very excited about this project because it represents the best of working together with the community to bring to market the largest project we’ve undertaken in our 38-year history,” said Blair Schleicher Wilson, Morris Habitat for Humanity CEO. “Now 13 hard-working families can begin to put down roots with their affordable, safe and decent places to live in a welcoming community.”

The dedication of the 13 units and a community center marked the end of phase 1 of the Bennett Avenue project, which will provide affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income families. The 25 planned units include seven three-bedroom homes, fourteen two-bedroom homes, and four one-bedroom homes spread across four buildings.

Randolph Township acquired the 2.5-acre property through tax foreclosure in 2008 and donated it to Morris Habitat.

The project is being funded by the Randolph Township Affordable Housing Trust Fund, as well as contributions from business sponsors and community members.

For example, the Mountain Lakes High School Class of 2021 raised over $10,000 at their Senior Service Day in June 2021, and the Randolph High School Brick-by-Brick Campaign raised $7,500 in 2022.

"Here we are, 4,000 volunteers and 18,000 hours later, a huge achievement for (Morris) Habitat and for the families that are going to be moving into these affordable, energy-efficient homes. I want to thank all the volunteers, donors, sponsors and staff," Shaw said. "You are all the heart and soul of this organization and you have shown what can be done when we all work together towards a common goal.”

Partner families must put in hours of "sweat equity" before they can close on their homes. Sweat equity can be earned in a variety of ways, but each primary applicant must work at least 100 of those hours personally.

The new Randolph residents completed at least 300 hours of sweat equity by working on their own condominiums or other Habitat homes, assisting in the ReStore, or volunteering in a variety of ways to support Morris Habitat's mission.

Morris Habitat for Humanity has served nearly 1,000 families since 1985 by constructing 188 local homes, preserving 431 for low-income and senior residents, and assisting 373 families worldwide with housing solutions, according to the organization.

“It’s not just a home these families are opening the door to, but it’s the opportunity of our schools, of our businesses, of our clubs… Congratulations to all the families who now have the opportunity to live here, to work here and to become a part of Morris County. Welcome home,” Myers said.