Habitat Bergen Youth United to Receive State Farm Grant

From the Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County:

Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County (Habitat Bergen) Youth United students representing various schools in Bergen County have been selected to receive a $5,000 matching grant from State Farm® in support of their construction and fundraising efforts to create affordable housing in Bergen County. Youth United mobilizes young people to fully fund and build a house with their local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Students learn leadership and teamwork skills and gain a better understanding of their communities and the need for simple, decent and affordable housing. All students are engaged in fundraising, education and advocacy activities, while those over 16 help with actual home construction.

“We couldn’t be more thankful to State Farm for giving us this opportunity for the second year in a row. As a result of this grant, our group has been energized to get up and raise thousands of dollars through community events. With State Farm’s generosity, we will be able to improve the lives of our neighbors,” said Blu Frankel, Habitat Bergen Youth United president.

Members of the Habitat Bergen Youth United Group attend schools throughout Bergen County. They host advocacy events yearlong, promoting the mission of the affiliate and conduct special fundraisers to support the construction effort. The Youth United program is one of the many programs Habitat International has to engage youth in Habitat’s work. In addition to the ongoing support State Farm offices provide to local Habitat affiliates across the United States, State Farm has served as the national corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity’s youth programs since 2007.

“It’s a rewarding experience to work with these highly motivated and conscientious students," said Habitat Bergen Director of Volunteers Angela King. "Over the past two years, we have seen our Youth United students evolve into highly effective leaders, and we look forward to what lies ahead for this ambitious group as they develop the next class of Youth United leaders in anticipation for college."

"Youth United empowers community youth to support their local affiliates and become advocates for decent, affordable housing, said Jennifer Young, State Farm N.J. Community. "This directly aligns with State Farm’s commitment to building safer, stronger and better educated communities. We applaud the work of the students and are proud to continue our support to Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County."

Further information is available through the Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County website.