35 Years of Community Support
2020 marked the 35th anniversary of Morris Habitat for Humanity, a part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that focuses on building strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. In its 35th year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization had to get creative with how they helped their communities.
Since 1985, the organization has served over 550 families, built 116 local homes, preserved 200 homes and engaged over 128,000 volunteers. Through the organization’s volunteer programs, Morris Habitat builds affordable homes for hard working families, ending the cycle of poverty and improving the quality of life for the entire community. They operate with the belief that homeownership affords higher academic achievement, deepens a sense of community and improves the health and safety of families.
Shifting in response to the pandemic
Affordable housing is key to a family's health and financial wellbeing but when the pandemic hit, building affordable, energy efficient homes with the help of volunteers was no longer possible so Morris Habitat sought out other ways to help their community.
At the beginning of the pandemic, when there was an increased need for face masks, Morris Habitat donated 4,080 N95 respirators to the Morris County Office of Emergency Management. These masks were distributed to local first responders and the Town of Boonton for use by their police department, and volunteer firemen and EMT’s.
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore donated furniture to local organizations serving the homeless. One truckload furnished a Homeless Solutions emergency shelter, another helped Family Promise of Morris prepare a Boonton residence for a homeless mother and her three children and a third donated to Community Hope to furnish a home for a veteran in Parsippany. The organization launched an online food drive to support the Interfaith Food Pantry, collecting 2,375 pounds of food to date. They also work with Table of Hope in Morristown to assist in the distribution of food to the residents of Roxbury.
Valley is proud to sponsor Morris Habitat and their community-based activities—including as a 2020 Gala Platinum Sponsor. “Valley Bank has been an invaluable partner in our success,” says Blair Schleicher Wilson, CEO.
Champions of Good Works
In 2020, Valley was recognized as Champions of Good Works for our partnership with Morris Habitat for our work leading the Morris Habitat Blitz Build. This affordable home build was a huge success, with over 100 Valley volunteers from across the Bank working side by side with the Morris Habitat team. At the conclusion of the build, three homes were completed, and one was renovated for low- and moderate-income families. “As a company, we’re always looking for more ways to help our communities grow,” says Bernadette Mueller, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer. “We’re proud to support Morris Habitat for Humanity and the work they do to provide affordable housing.”
Valley in the Community
Community Stories
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