On a bright Sunday afternoon, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Harmony Township. The ceremony took place on the site of the next Habitat Home build project. Warren County resident Wanda and Dave Osmun, Sr. donated the parcel of land for the Habitat Home.
Groundbreaking Well Attended
Board President John Rolak welcomed the crowd. The partner family and their friends and family made up a large portion of the gathering. Members of the construction team, board, and several Habitat committees were also there. Also in attendance were Habitat volunteers and partners.
John explained how the family selection process works. “There is a misconception that 
Habitat for Humanity gives homes to people. That isn’t so,” he explained. “Families are required to make a down payment, hold a mortgage, and perform two hundred and fifty hours of sweat equity per adult.”
Executive Director Ben Eskow gave some historical perspective. “Warren County Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1999. This home will be the sixteenth home that’s been built,” he started. “Habitat also tithes to Habitat for Humanity International. They use those funds to build Habitat Homes overseas. Over the years, we have tithed enough funding to build thirty-four simple homes in Costa Rica and Honduras. As a result, that makes this project our fiftieth home building partnership!” he enthused.
Partner Family Introduced
Family Support chair Melissa Flynn introduced the crowd to Nicole Banfield. Nicole is a single mother who has lived in Warren County for the past twelve years.
She is employed at Global Healthcare Management. With Nicole were her daughter Sage, and her son Giovanni. Giovanni attends a local school while Sage pursues a science degree. Nicole’s mother was also in attendance.
Partnership with NKBA
WCHFH has entered into a partnership with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) which will benefit the construction of this home. The NKBA is the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry. The NKBA has agreed to apply its annual Student Design Competition to the kitchen and bath of this home.
Jason Solomon of the NKBA spoke to the crowd. Jason is the Senior Manager of Member Services & Professional Services at the NKBA. “We’re happy to be at this groundbreaking and we’re very excited to partner with Habitat,” he offered. “Our values of service and giving a helping hand align tightly with their values. There is a real buzz back at the office. The winners of the competition will get a chance to see the impact of their work on a real life family.”
Help needed
A project of this size needs help in the form of donations and volunteers. If you’d like to join the team, please call the office at 908-835-1300 to get started.
