Immaculate Conception Parish has been a supporter of Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years. In addition to providing financial support, the Parish provides volunteers to work on housing projects throughout the region.
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat provides affordable housing for low-income households in the Raritan Valley area by renovating existing housing or building new homes and selling them to low-income families at prices they can afford. By having people from all walks of life work together in equal partnership, Habitat builds new relationships and a sense of community as well as new housing.
An estimated 5.4 million American households face worst-case housing needs, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Receiving little or no government housing assistance, these families are unable to find a decent place to live at a price they can afford to pay. Immaculate Conception Parish’s collaboration with Habitat for Humanity provides an answer to this distressing and growing dilemma in our community. You can be part of the solution.
Throughout the year, Immaculate Conception participates in Habitat for Humanity Build Days. During these days, volunteers from our parish work together on construction sites under the leadership of Habitat for Humanity supervisors. No specific skills are required – just volunteers eager to assist. All participants working at the site must be a minimum of 16 years of age. However, volunteers are also needed to provide a mid-day meal for the volunteer workers. This involves preparing, delivering, and serving the food on the site. It is a great opportunity to be a part of this important endeavor while connecting with others from our parish community.
“Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry that brings all peoples together to help those in need of simple, decent homes. Habitat follows the teachings of Jesus Christ in so many ways. When you see the smiles and tears and pure joyfulness on the faces of the new homeowners at their home dedications when they are given keys to their new home, you can’t help but share their joy and feel more than rewarded for whatever little part you did to help them.” – Betsy Kuzio