Truth and Reconciliation: A statement by New Jersey Habitat for Humanity affiliates

Habitat for Humanity affiliates across New Jersey stand together with our Black brothers and sisters. Black Lives Matter. We individually and collectively resolve to face the truth of our own bias and racism. Moreover, as leaders in affordable housing and community development, we will face the truth of decades of government, private, and non-profit sector housing discrimination resulting in Blacks being excluded from the wealth creation of homeownership and forced to live in communities with limited opportunities for education, jobs, and healthy lives. We will face the truth of redlining, both its history as well as the present reality of it increasing again under the federal government’s new rule changes to the Community Reinvestment Act. Beyond facing the truth of these harmful realities, we resolve to take action individually, collectively, and systemically to bring an end to these practices and policies.

Habitat for Humanity International was birthed at Koinonia Farm – a “demonstration plot for the Kingdom of God” which was committed to racial equality long before the civil rights work of the 1960’s.  Habitat for Humanity provides a way for Black people to become homeowners and a way for people of all races and backgrounds to help build those homes. Habitat for Humanity can be a vehicle for reconciliation, and we are determined to live up to our mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Now, more than ever, we are rededicating ourselves to Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a united humanity, where everyone, regardless of his or her race or faith, has a decent place to call home. Wherever we work, we will seek inclusivity and to offer a place where people holding disparate views can come together in a common cause. Join us as we break down barriers, become a vehicle for reconciliation, and work alongside those willing to partner with us, no matter their background or walk of life.

Signed:

Camden County Habitat for Humanity

Coastal Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County

Habitat for Humanity of Burlington and Mercer Counties

Habitat for Humanity of Cape May County

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark

Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County

Habitat for Humanity of Salem County

Morris Habitat for Humanity

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity

Paterson Habitat for Humanity

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity

Warren Habitat for Humanity