Longtime volunteer and ReStore manager receives keys to his own Habitat house in Harmony Township
HARMONY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — More than 100 friends, family members, volunteers, and community members gathered under sunny skies last month in Harmony Township to celebrate a milestone years in the making: the dedication of a new Habitat for Humanity home to longtime volunteer and employee Michael “Scrappy” Chobot.
Chobot, a familiar figure within Habitat for Humanity of Northwest New Jersey (Habitat NWNJ), received the keys to his new home in an emotional ceremony attended by supporters and colleagues who have known him through years of service. A volunteer-turned-employee-turned-homeowner, Chobot has spent over a decade contributing to Habitat NWNJ’s mission to build homes, communities, and hope.
From helping collect donations with his son in his early days, to eventually serving as the ReStore’s general manager, Chobot has been a constant presence in the organization. After being selected for a Habitat home, he immersed himself in the process—attending homeownership workshops, volunteering on construction projects, and helping to build the very home he now owns.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the Almighty God for everything and all things,” Chobot said during the ceremony. “I’m sitting here in my tears of joy as I sweep across this turnout today… it’s huge, bigger than I remember them. Each and every one of you touched my spirit in some way.”
Chobot also offered heartfelt thanks to the ReStore team, joking that they had “put up with him more than anyone else.”
Known for his warmth and positivity, Chobot’s impact on the community was reflected in the stories and memories shared by attendees—staff, volunteers, board members, and even frequent ReStore customers—many of whom recounted how he had made a difference in their lives.
Chobot’s journey to homeownership wasn’t easy. After being passed over during an earlier application round, he applied again and was later selected through a blind lottery process. He now shares the new home with his son, Matthew, and daughter, Kimmy.
Chobot was the first employee selected under Habitat NWNJ’s homeowner eligibility policy. His application underwent the same review process as all others, including credit checks, home visits, and vetting by a selection committee.
“Michael’s story is a powerful reminder of Habitat’s commitment to giving a hand up, not a handout,” Habitat NWNJ said in a statement. “His success was earned through perseverance, faith, and a strong commitment to the mission.”
As the ceremony came to a close, attendees embraced and reminisced, celebrating not just the completion of a house, but the realization of a dream—and the homecoming of one of Habitat’s own.
