Pitman United Methodist Church
One of the local missions we support with our prayers and benevolent giving, is Habitat For Humanity.
The mission of Habitat For Humanity is to work in partnership with God and people everywhere; building houses for people in need; so that there are decent homes in decent communities, in which every person can experience God's love, and can live and grow into all that God intends.
Habitat For Humanity is an organization of volunteers joining together to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness. Nationally, they have built tens of thousands of homes for families in need. All Habitat homes are built on a solid foundation of community support; with volunteer workers and donations from churches, local businesses, civic groups, individuals, and the mortgage payments of current homeowners. Our local Gloucester Co. affiliate has been building homes for low income families since 1986. Last year they began an ambitious project; planning and clearing sites for 12 new homes in Clayton. Building began in the Spring, and amazingly, three homes are almost complete. One of the homes was actually built at GCIT; and transported down Rte. 47 to its prepared site in Clayton. This Fall, three families will praise God as they move into their new homes.
Habitat For Humanity selects potential homeowners based on need, stability, willingness to become partners, and ability to pay a no interest mortgage payment. Those selected for a Habitat home work with Habitat volunteers building homes, or providing other services for the organization. 300 hours of work, or "sweat equity" is required, and counts as part of their down payment. They purchase their home at cost. Their mortgage is held by Habitat, who recycles their payments to build other houses.
Home ownership breaks a cycle of need, and helps families start a permanent change. It provides stability in a world where changing apartments and schools has become a way of life for working poor families, Communities are improved when the lives of their least fortunate are improved.
Habitat For Humanity needs our prayers and our support. You do not have to be a carpenter or a plumber to be a Habitat volunteer. There are a myriad of opportunities to help; on and off the worksite. Some Habitat volunteers even work from their homes. If you are interested in helping, call Habitat @ 856-256-9400 or see Walt Friedrich.
Pitman United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 7
Pitman, NJ 08071
(856) 589 - 8313