Partnering for Progress: Building Dreams in Phillipsburg

What a day! On January 11, 2024, there was a bit of ‘Crane Commotion’ happening at South Main Street in downtown Phillipsburg. The crew started bright and early at 6:30 a.m., and by the end of the day, an entire 3-bedroom, 2-bath home was placed. It wasn’t move-in ready yet, but all the outside structure of exterior walls were in place, giving the feel of all the good bones a good home starts with.

This monumental event marked the culmination of a remarkable partnership between Norwescap and Warren County Habitat for Humanity (WCHFH). Thanks to funding secured through the 2023 Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and Norwescap’s ongoing collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, a single-family home is taking shape in the heart of Phillipsburg’s NRTC district.

The partnership between Norwescap and Habitat for Humanity is a shining example of how unity and shared vision can transform communities. The project showcases the efficiency and quality of modular home construction, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising on durability or aesthetics. Modular homes, like the one being built in Phillipsburg, are prefabricated off-site and assembled on location, resulting in faster build times and reduced construction waste.

But don’t be deceived by the ease at which this project appeared to have come about! The details in planning, funding, partnering, and preparing the family are immense. This endeavor required the support and collaboration of various stakeholders, including local businesses and financial institutions like PNC, Provident Bank, and Valley National Bank, who generously contributed tax credits to Norwescap’s NRTC projects.

The dedication and commitment of volunteers and community members cannot be overstated. From laying the foundation to raising the roof, every step of the construction process was a labor of love and a testament to the power of partnership. Behind the scenes countless individuals brought their expertise and passion to the project, ensuring a success in building communities.

As the home takes shape, it symbolizes more than just a place to live—it represents hope, opportunity, and the American dream. For Jacob, the future homeowner and single father of three young boys, this home signifies a new chapter filled with promise and possibility. Through Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program, Jacob and his family will not only have a roof over their heads but also the opportunity to build equity and stability for the future.

This project is a testament to the tireless efforts of Norwescap, Habitat for Humanity, and the entire Phillipsburg community. Together, they have demonstrated the transformative power of partnership and the collective impact that can be achieved when individuals and organizations come together for a common cause. As we look ahead to the Home Dedication Ceremony planned for Spring 2024, we celebrate not just the completion of a house but the realization of dreams and the beginning of a brighter future for Jacob and his family.

by Dawn Hartfelder – updated 2/13/2024