Ground broken for affordable housing project in Mount Olive backed by Morris County, Habitat for Humanity
MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County Deputy Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw joined Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro and Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity officials on Thursday to break ground on a new affordable housing development in the Budd Lake section of the township.
The project, located at 23 Stonewald Court, will create seven new ENERGY STAR-certified single-family homes for income-eligible families. The development will include two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom models, each with deed restrictions to ensure long-term affordability. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Shaw presented a certificate of honor to Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity CEO Liz DeCoursey on behalf of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, recognizing the nonprofit’s 40 years of service in the community.
“President Abraham Lincoln understood how important housing was when he said, ‘The strength of a nation can be told in its housing,’” said Shaw. “I like to say it’s not just housing — it’s a home. It’s a foundation for that family’s future. Morris County was proud to support this project with $375,000 in federal funding through our Community Development Office.”
The project is being financed through multiple sources, including more than $1.6 million from the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund, $375,000 in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding provided by Morris County, a $50,000 donation from the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, a $10,000 contribution from New Jersey Natural Gas, and $750,000 from Mount Olive Township, which also donated the land.
Since its founding in 1985, Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity has built or rehabilitated more than 200 homes locally, preserved 531 homes, and served over 1,100 families globally through construction, rehab, and repair projects.
