Habitat Bergen Youth United Selected to Receive State Farm Grant

A group of students volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County has been selected to receive a $4,000 matching grant from State Farm® in support of their construction and fundraising efforts to create affordable housing in Bergen County.

The youth volunteers are participants of Habitat for Humanity’s Youth United program and are required to raise a matching amount of $4,000.

Youth United mobilizes young people, ages 5 to 25, to fully fund and build a house with their local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Students learn leadership and teamwork skills and gain a better understanding of their communities and the need for simple, decent and affordable housing. All students are engaged in fundraising, education and advocacy activities, while those over 16 help with actual home construction.

“Habitat Bergen Youth United thanks State Farm for their generosity and support,” said Blu Frankel, Habitat Bergen Youth United President. “We can’t wait to live up to the requirements set forth by the matching grant through our various spring fundraising events.”

Members of the Habitat Bergen Youth United Group attend schools throughout Bergen County. They host advocacy events yearlong, promoting the mission of the affiliate and conduct special fundraisers to support the construction effort.

“Habitat Bergen has received State Farm grants throughout the years and this year’s grant will help us to support the construction of another home for a family in Bergenfield,” said Jacey Raimondo, Habitat Bergen Executive Director. “The Youth United Group has done an outstanding job of creating awareness and fundraising of the affiliate’s mission and Bergen County families who qualify for affordable housing will benefit from their efforts.”

The Youth United program is one of the many programs Habitat International has to engage youth in Habitat’s work. In addition to the ongoing support State Farm offices provide to local Habitat affiliates across the United States, State Farm has served as the national corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity’s youth programs since 2007.

“Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to providing families with safe, decent, affordable shelter aligns with State Farm’s commitment to helping to build safe, strong, and better educated communities,” said Jen Alvarez, State Farm Senior Public Affairs Manager. “State Farm is committed to maintaining the vibrancy of our communities by assisting the Bergen County affiliate and supporting community revitalization in New Jersey.”

State Farm NJ Community Specialist, Jennifer Young, said, “It’s about neighbors helping neighbors. State Farm continues to bring communities together. When you put the community first, good things happen.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County, contact Nicole Murray at [email protected] or 201-457-1020.