Home ownership can seem out of reach for many families in Essex County, even though they work hard for a living. Home prices have come down everywhere, but mortgages are harder than ever to get. 

The opportunity to purchase an affordable home with a zero-interest mortgage may seem too good to be true but a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Newark and Ironbound Community Corporation will create homes for several hard-working families who are willing to spend some of their free time painting and pounding nails.

The homes will be offered with no money down and low, income-based payments to families willing to partner with Habitat Newark as it restores several multi-family homes in Newark's Ironbound District. These homes are being rebuilt in conjunction with the city of Newark and the Ironbound Community Corporation using federal Neighborhood Stabilization Project Two (NSP2) funds, part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009.

Families who partner with Habitat will work a total of 400 hours of 'sweat equity' before moving into their home. No construction experience is required.

Habitat Newark will hold a Family Selection Committee Orientation Meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 18th at Discovery Charter School, 303 Washington Street in Newark. Additional Family Orientation meetings will be held on the third Saturday of each month for the next few months at locations to be determined. Attendance at an Orientation Meeting is required to become an applicant.

Applications will be reviewed based on a family's credit, ability to afford the mortgage, need to improve their living conditions and willingness to partner with Habitat Newark.

Habitat for Humanity Newark has built homes in partnership with more than 72 families in Essex County. For more information, or if you cannot attend the meeting but would like to be considered for affordable housing in Essex County, please call Habitat for Humanity Newark at (973) 624-3330 or the Ironbound Community Corp at (973) 465-0555.