BUDD LAKE — Morris Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for two affordable homes being built on Wallman Way in the Budd Lake section of Mount Olive, Morris County. These two-story homes will features three bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, living and dining rooms. The homes will be handicap accessible with an adaptable bedroom and bath on the first floor. The maximum sale price for these homes will be $155,000 and is based on selected applicant’s income.

Besides income qualifications, applicants must be able to afford normal monthly payments for utilities, taxes and an interest-free mortgage. Other qualifications include a clean credit history and that their current housing is inadequate for their needs.

The most important part, as far as Morris Habitat is concerned, is the willingness of the family or individual to complete the full Habitat Application Process. This process includes full personal disclosure and attendance and participation in home buyer education and willingness to contribute “sweat equity” in the amount of at least three hundred (300) hours helping to build their home.

Carolyn Haraksin, the Director of Homeowner Relations for Morris Habitat, handles the application and selection process, which includes a special orientation, home visits and interviews. Recently she stated that, “working with prospective families has been the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had,” and went on to say that, “helping them to become active members of their new community brings me in contact with hundreds of people that make this program so special.” Once the homeowners are selected through a lottery system, a Morris Habitat family partner to guide the future homeowners is assigned and workshops are scheduled to prepare the families for home ownership.

Anyone interested in applying must attend one of the mandatory one-hour Orientation Meetings at the Morris Habitat office the following dates:

Morris Habitat for Humanity, 274 South Salem Street, Randolph

Wednesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m.

To register for one of these orientation sessions, email info@morrishabitat.org with a subject line “Homeownership – Budd Lake”.  The e-mail should include name, telephone number and which session you will attend. The sessions start right on time, with no one will be admitted late. We love kids but space is limited. Please leave your children at home if possible.

To find out more about the program and application process check the Morris Habitat website or contact Carolyn Haraksin, Director of Homeowner Relations, at carolyn.haraksin@morrishabitat.org or by calling at (973) 891-1934, extension 107

Caption: Cute and tidy 2-story homes to be built in the Wallman Way area of Budd Lake for low to moderate income housing.

About Morris Habitat for Humanity

Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles by building homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions.  Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.

Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 305 families though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. During the past year Morris Habitat has completing 5 units, with 15 under construction, and finished 10 home repair projects. Thirty eight projects are in the pipeline for 2015-2017. In addition, proceeds from the ReStore, opened May 2007, have built 14 homes and diverted 4,400 tons of useable material out of landfills.  Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph. Store hours: Tues 12 – 8 p.m., Wed & Fri 10 – 6 p.m., Thurs. 10 – 8 p.m., sat 10 – 5 p.m.