Nicole Banfield currently resides in Alpha. She works for a pharmacy in the customer service department. And…she’s preparing for a hard-earned, well-deserved, BIG change! In a matter of three months, she and her children, Sage, 19, and Giovanni, 13, will be moving into a beautiful new home in Harmony, built from the ground up by Warren County Habitat for Humanity and friends.

Two construction groups of volunteers assemble on most Thursdays and Saturdays to work on this latest Habitat home. “Every single person here is taking time off for us. It’s all volunteer. I’m very grateful for my new ‘family,’ my brothers and sisters,” Nicole explained, acknowledging the many people bringing the structure to life. Additionally, she and her daughter will each have contributed a minimum of 250 hours in “sweat equity” themselves at completion. Nicole proudly stated she works at the build site every Saturday and any other time she can get there.

Habitat for Humanity utilizes an application process to determine their Partner Families, which resulted in Nicole being selected on April 11, 2018. The first day of “actual building” was in mid-July, after the foundation was poured and the house was framed. The family selected the siding and roofing colors, cabinetry, counter tops, flooring, and room colors. Currently, the team is finishing up door frames and tiling, along with some work in the basement. Once construction is completed and approved, there will be a building dedication in April, culminating with Nicole receiving the keys, officially becoming the proud owner of the home she and daughter helped build.

Having no prior involvement with construction, Nicole has thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and is thrilled that she has learned so much in the process. She looks forward to volunteering on the next build to help give someone else a “hand up.”

Warren County Habitat for Humanity received its affiliate status from Habitat for Humanity International on August 1, 1999, following a lengthy process of exploration, assessment, and application. After breaking ground in July 2000 in Washington Borough, the first Warren County Habitat project was completed about one year later and dedicated on August 25, 2001. Nicole’s home will be the 16th Habitat project built here in Warren County.

There is a wealth of information at www.warrenhabitat.org regarding volunteer opportunities at Warren County Habitat for Humanity. Moreover, they are currently seeking a Partner Family for their next project, in Lopatcong Township. The application process will close on February 18.

For a gala night out, while benefiting the mission of Warren County Habitat for Humanity, consider attending Beams & Dreams on Saturday, April 27, at Hawk Pointe Golf Club and “Raise the Roof with Laughter” with comedian Bob Nelson.

When it comes to the people and happenings of Warren County, you can count on award winning photographer Cathy Miller to be there to record the moment.