MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Community leaders, elected officials, volunteers and housing advocates gathered Thursday in Budd Lake to celebrate the Women Build program and the development of seven new affordable homes aimed at helping families achieve homeownership.
The event highlighted the work of Women Build, a Habitat for Humanity initiative focused on empowering women through volunteerism while addressing housing affordability challenges across New Jersey.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Liz DeCoursey, chief executive officer of Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity; Michelle Zychowski, Morris County field representative for Congressman Tom Kean Jr.; Assemblyman Michael Inganamort; Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro; and Women Build Ambassador Stacey Moore.
Janel Winter, director of the Division of Housing and Community Resources within the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, thanked Habitat for Humanity and its partners for their efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities throughout the state.
Winter highlighted more than $100 million in recent state financing investments supporting housing projects across New Jersey and emphasized the importance of innovative funding solutions to make affordable housing more accessible.
Speakers throughout the event addressed New Jersey’s ongoing housing affordability challenges, including the rising age of first-time homebuyers, which advocates noted now averages 45 years old in the state.
Local officials praised Habitat for Humanity, volunteers and community partners for helping create safe and affordable housing opportunities while strengthening neighborhoods.
Mayor Joe Nicastro joined Assemblywomen Aura Dunn and Ginnie Lampitt Moore, Assemblyman Inganamort and other community leaders in recognizing the collaborative effort behind the project.
The event also honored the volunteers and organizations whose contributions continue to support affordable housing initiatives throughout Morris County.
“Congratulations to Morris Habitat for Humanity on a successful ‘Women Build’ event on seven beautiful homes coming to Budd Lake. We look forward to welcoming seven deserving families at the ribbon cutting!” Assemblyman Inganamort said.
