Norwescap and Warren County Habitat for Humanity (WCHFH) recently joined forces to help a local family achieve their dream of homeownership. Thanks to funding made available through the 2023 Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and Norwescap’s ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a single-family home is taking shape in the heart of Phillipsburg’s NRTC district.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program (NRTC) is designed to foster the revitalization of New Jersey’s underserved neighborhoods. It provides business entities a 100 percent tax credit for funds provided to nonprofit entities carrying out comprehensive revitalization plans. Valley Bank, Provident Bank and PNC all contributed tax credits to Norwescap’s 2023 NRTC projects, making this unique partnership possible.

The newest build demonstrates Norwescap’s and Habitat’s commitments to “comprehensive revitalization.” Their partnership encompasses a shared vision of creating opportunities, changing lives, and opening doors to prosperity.

Building Dreams
On January 11, 2024, a massive crane lowered a modular two-story home onto its foundation at 770 South Main Street in Phillipsburg. The process took a matter of hours and marked not just a construction coup but was a testimony to the power of partnership and community.

An Unwavering Tradition
With this brand-new build, Warren County Habitat for Humanity, true to its mission of “offering a hand-up, not a hand-out,” fostered its tradition with a family in Phillipsburg’s NRTC district.

To be clear, Habitat for Humanity does not give homes away. Families undergo a vetting and screening process. The new owners then assume a 0% interest mortgage, based on their financial capabilities. All families participating in the purchase of a home through Habitat, must also contribute “sweat equity” into their home, by performing a minimum of 250 hours of labor per adult into the construction of the home.

On hand to celebrate a major step toward the completion of the build were Mark Valli, CEO, Norwescap; Ben Eskow, executive director, Warren County Habitat for Humanity; Jacob Werkheiser, new homeowner and single father of three young boys; Keith Matlock, project manager of WCHFH; Randy Piazza, mayor of Phillipsburg; and neighbors, community stakeholders and staff members from both organizations.

Behind the Scenes
Matlock, a long-time volunteer, came to Habitat after retiring from a 25-year career in construction. He said, “The foundation was laid two weeks ago. Today’s construction commenced at 8 a.m., after the arrival of the crane and crew at 6:30 a.m.” Shortly after noon, the roof was in place.

Kathy Halpin, Board President of WCHFH, marveled at the precision of the process, saying, “This is truly miraculous.” The two-story home includes three bedrooms, one and one-half baths, and a full basement.

Valli noted, “For me, this home will forever symbolize the power of partnership. Norwescap works to address the challenges communities face and strives to bring financial well-being, health, positive impact, and a sense of belonging to the community through initiatives like this, but our impact expands dramatically when you have awesome partners like Habitat.”

Wayne Sherrer worked for Norwescap as a teen in the 1960s. A lifelong Phillipsburg resident and original organizer for WCHFH in the 1990s, he reminisced about the early days when Warren County was skeptical of supporting their chapter. “Well, 25 buildings later, and we did it,” he proudly exclaimed.

A Communal Responsibility
Although they have partnered in the area of home ownership since 2019/2020, this is the first time Norwescap and Habitat for Humanity have collaborated on a build. There were many responsibilities each organization had to shoulder such as fundraising, site selection, family selection and support, and construction and mortgage servicing.

Eskow stated, “We appreciate our community partners in the DCA, Norwescap, and the town of Phillipsburg. It’s always great to work with like-minded organizations that understand the need for affordable housing.”

A special Home Dedication Ceremony is planned for Spring, 2024, when the keys to their new home are officially handed over to the Werkheiser family.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Dawn Hartfelder, Communications & Marketing Director of Norwescap
(908) 454-7000 x1119 or e-mail: hartfelderd@norwescap.org

JJ Norment, Director of Development, Warren County Habitat For Humanity
(908) 835-1300, ext. 16 or email: jason.norment@warrenhabitat.org

Warren County Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, International and has served Warren County since August, 1999, when WCHfH officially became responsible for all aspects of Habitat home-building in the county – fundraising, site selection, family selection and support, construction and mortgage servicing. Groundbreaking for the first Warren County Habitat home took place in July, 2000 with the home dedication about one year later. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat for Humanity conducts their programs in ways that are sensitive and respectful to the cultural context and the local faith community. Learn more about WCHFH at www.warrenhabitat.org.

Originally established in 1965, Norwescap has evolved into a comprehensive nonprofit organization providing services to over 30,000 individuals in New Jersey annually. The organization offers a broad array of services that support and empower people with low to moderate income, helping them move away from the crisis of poverty and towards a future where they can thrive. Norwescap programs address immediate needs and build strategies for long term success, focusing on education, employment, financial empowerment, health and nutrition, housing and community development, and volunteerism and civic engagement.