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Impact Stories

 

Melissa, Habitat Homeowner, Cinnaminson

A family friend introduced this future homeowner to Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey’s Cinnaminson project, opening the door to an opportunity that means everything to her and her children. After being on her own since the age of 17 and moving through more than ten apartments, this home represents long-awaited stability for her and her three kids—Rolando (12), Kimyah (4), and Jaxon (8 months). She is most excited about finally being on her own schedule, free from the constraints of a leasing office, and cooking meals with her family in her own kitchen. Employed as a cash application specialist at True Search since 2021, she brings a strong background in finance and banking. She describes the Habitat process as smooth, communicative, and filled with kindness, and expresses deep gratitude for everyone who helped along the way. With closing ahead, she remains confident and thankful for the journey.

 

Barbara, Habitat Repairs Recipient, Haddon Township

Barbara, a spirited woman in her 90s, has lived in her beloved home for over 60 years. As time passed, the house began to deteriorate, making it harder for her to get around safely on her own. Without a handrail by her door and a storm door so heavy it would nearly knock her over, even simple tasks became risky. Her front steps were crumbling, and the exterior was in need of paint and landscaping. Habitat stepped in to help restore both safety and comfort to Barbara’s life—repairing her steps, adding a sturdy handrail, repainting, refreshing the landscaping, and replacing the heavy door. To support her mobility inside the home, she was also gifted an electric La-Z-Boy chair, making it easier for her to get up and down each day. Thanks to these improvements, Barbara can continue living independently in the home she loves.

 

Sharon, Habitat Homeowner, Hightstown

Sharon, a bank loan processor in Mt. Laurel since 2022, was paying over $2,100 a month in rent for an apartment she shared with her two school-age sons. Through her work, she learned about Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homeownership opportunities and seized the chance to build a better future. After completing all the program requirements, Sharon purchased her own Habitat home in Hightstown. Having moved 13 times in her 33 years, she’s most excited about finally putting down roots and providing her children with stability and access to strong schools in the East Windsor District. Sharon emphasizes the importance of maintaining good credit and saving for the unexpected. Like all Habitat homeowners, she contributed sweat equity hours and completed financial education to qualify for a mortgage with affordable monthly payments, ensuring a stable foundation for her family’s future.

 

Karson, Habitat Homeowner, Camden

Karson, a dedicated single father with 50/50 custody of his daughter, is thrilled for the opportunity to own a Habitat for Humanity home in Camden—close to where his daughter’s mother also lives, ensuring she can grow up near both parents. Karson works overnight as a medical assistant and was previously renting a room in a shared home in Somerdale, NJ. For him, this home means everything—a blessing, a privilege, and an incredible honor. He’s deeply grateful for the chance to provide his daughter with stability, comfort, and a space of her own, describing the feeling of being able to pass something down to his daughter as “second to none.” What he looks forward to most are the memories they’ll create together: daddy-daughter movie nights with unlimited blankets and snacks, their first Christmas with presents under the tree, cheering on the Steelers in matching onesies, and hosting game nights and dinners with family and friends. Karson says he’s usually content with the little things, but this life-changing opportunity has left him overwhelmed with gratitude.