New Jersey Habitat's Visit Washington DC

Toms River, NJ (February 8, 2023) — Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity will join hundreds of local Habitat organizations and affordable housing advocates in-person this week for Habitat for Humanity’s annual legislative conference, Habitat on the Hill.

During the three-day, D.C. based event, advocates will convene and meet with Congressional leaders to draw attention to and discuss actionable solutions to housing affordability challenges faced by rural, suburban, and urban communities across the nation.

This year the conference is focused on themes highlighting advocacy for impact, with special emphasis on advancing Black homeownership and addressing the historic low supply of affordable homes.

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity will meet with Senator Robert Menendez, Representative Chris Smith, and Representative Jeff Van Drew to discuss federal solutions that will help increase access to affordable homeownership in every state including Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, Passaic County Habitat for Humanity, Morris Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County, Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark.

“Through our advocacy efforts, we’ve discussed federal solutions for affordable healthcare with our elected leaders, but there is still more work to be done”, Kristine Novakowski, Executive Director said, “We are calling on Congress to support the bipartisan Neighborhood Homes Investment Act and robust funding for vital housing and community development federal programs.”

“In New Jersey, an income of $104,910 is needed to afford a median-priced home. With the severe shortage of entry-level housing, families don't have access to affordable housing. Through our advocacy efforts this week at Habitat on the Hill, we are working together to help families access affordable housing. Because a home is a foundation for a stable, healthy future for families. No matter where you live, who you are, or what you earn, everyone deserves a decent place to live,” said Kristine Novakowski.

About Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity
Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, a New Jersey-based affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, was founded in 1999. Through volunteerism, skilled labor, and donations of money and materials, the organization rehabilitates and builds safe houses alongside its homeowner/ partner families. Northern Ocean Habitat also operates the ReStore, a retail shop that generates funds through sales of donated goods and keeps materials out of landfills. The ReStore proceeds are to support new home builds and its Neighborhood Revitalization programs. The Neighborhood Revitalization initiative includes the Home Preservation, Housing Plus Aging in Place, A Brush with Kindness, and Veteran Repair programs. These programs provide home renovations addressing health and/or safety issues, all with the goal of keeping residents in the comfort of their own homes. To learn more, visit https://northernoceanhabitat.org/