WCHFH Community Center
The philosophy of the WCHFH Community Center is to provide high quality programming to the youth, seniors, and Veterans of Warren County New Jersey and their families. It is a place where our community gathers together to learn, grow and thrive by providing a safe and supportive environment to all participants while also ensuring programs offer opportunities for positive interaction and maximum engagement.
Our goal as the Community Center is to provide “A Place of Purpose Where the Community Gathers Together to Learn, Grow and Thrive.”
Location: 31 Belvidere Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882
Read Article: “Next Big Thing” – 2 Year Anniversary HFH Community Center & Open Mic
View WFMZ coverage of the Grand Opening event.
Activity Examples
History and Timeline
The history and purpose of the Warren County Habitat for Humanity Community Center spans nearly 150 years.
- 1874: Beginning in 1874, the Beers County Atlas of 1874 shows a Masonic Hall on this property.
- 1892 - 1914: This space served as a blacksmith, cobbler, fish market, print shop, electric motor shop, and a wagon shop.
- January 2, 1945: A local family deeded the property to the Washington Lodge 512 Loyal Order of Moose who furthered the pre-existing structures.
- October 1, 1982: The Moose Lodge sold the building to the Central Warren Youth Association (CWYA) for $80,000.
- Summer 1965: The Central Warren Youth Association was born with a simple purpose- to promote the welfare of the youth in the area and to provide cultural, educational services and social activities for all age groups.
- 1965 – 2005: The CWYA served the community faithfully by providing activities, dances, toy drives, live bands and teen nights reaching heights of more than 400 teens in attendance. According to reports by the Chief of Police, juvenile delinquency declined during that period of time.
- February 19, 2009: The building was donated to Warren County Habitat for Humanity by the Central Warren Youth Association with the hopes WCHFH would someday carry on the torch ignited by CWYA towards servicing youth.
- April 6, 2022: The Warren County Habitat for Humanity Community Center opens its doors to serve the needs of the youth, senior citizens and Veterans in our community.
What We Offer
The needs of our youth today are similar to the needs identified by the Central Warren Youth Association in 1965. The community needs have expanded to include our senior citizens that are aging in place and our Veterans.
Our Community Center offers a drop-in center and structured programs and activities for youth, seniors, and Veterans.
- Structured activities are offered on weekdays for Veterans, senior citizens, and youth throughout the day.
- We also offer user agreements at the Community Center. The facility is available on Friday nights and weekends for approved activities, rentals, and performances.
- Low or no cost activities. Many programs are available free of charge. Some programs may charge a fee to cover costs associated with certain activities.
Hours of Operation
The Community Center hours may vary per week. The typical hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9am-7pm, with varying hours of operation on weekends.
The Community Center observes town and national holidays; as such refer to our website at warrenhabitat.org/cc for closings and special hours.
Hours and program schedules are subject to change. WCHFH Staff will make every effort to keep its patrons informed of changes. Our website lists the current hours of operation, schedule, and calendar of events.
Senior Citizen Programs
Senior programming serves as a gateway to the nation’s aging network-connecting older adults to vital community services that help them stay healthy and independent. Through our community center we are able to offer programs such as nutrition, health, fitness, wellness, employment assistance, finance, social and recreational activities, education and intergenerational programs.
Veteran Programs
Veteran programming will offer an opportunity for all our armed forces personnel to join together in purposeful discussions and engaging activities to combat the effects of PTSD. We will also offer assistance with resume creation, career and education exploration, women Veteran discussions, Habitat build days, outlets for counseling, health, wellness, employment assistance and one-on-one talking sessions with peers.
Youth Programs
Participants in Youth Programs at the Community Center are designed for children in 5th through 12th grades, or the equivalent if home schooled. Once a student has entered the 5th grade, they are welcome to register at the Community Center. Children in grades lower than 5th grade or those that have graduated from high school are not eligible to participate in Youth Programs unless program specific opportunities are approved for other age ranges.
What Rooms Are Available to Use
Conference Room
Great Room
Amenities
All facilities are ADA compliant. For your convenience, a large kitchen with a full size refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave is available for your use during your event. There are 116 chairs and 6 round and 7 6-foot rectangular tables. There is even a small relaxation room with a small fountain and fire place.
How Do I Book A Room for An Event?
Step 1. Complete Community Center Use Request Form . Our Community Center Coordinator will contact you about available dates and times and whether the Community Center is a good fit for your needs.
Step 2. After initial discussion with the WCHFH staff, if you wish to book a room, please complete the CC Facility Use Agreement.
Step 3: Once the CC Facility Use Agreement and CC Request Use forms have been received, your request will be processed and your event will be added to the Community Center calendar.
