Sherrill Backs HUD Grant for Morris Habitat Healthy Homes Program

A Critical Boost for New Jersey Home Repairs

U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) welcomed news that Morris Habitat for Humanity received nearly $1.6 million through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Healthy Homes Production Grant Program. The award will help the nonprofit expand its Home Repair and Aging in Place Program to serve approximately 84 low-income families in Morris and Middlesex counties.

What the HUD Healthy Homes Program Does

The Healthy Homes Production Grant Program was created more than two decades ago to address diseases and injuries linked to hazards inside the home, with an emphasis on reducing risks to children. HUD awards funding to nonprofits, for-profit firms, and state and local governments to identify and remediate unhealthy housing conditions, particularly in low-income communities.

How Morris Habitat Will Use the Funds

Morris Habitat plans to use the grant to perform a range of health and safety interventions in qualifying homes. Specifically, the nonprofit will:

• Conduct lead paint evaluations and abatement
• Perform radon assessments and mitigation
• Complete roof repairs and replacements
• Install mobility adaptations such as grab bars, ramps, and accessible bathrooms
• Complete additional critical repairs that improve habitability

These services are designed to keep families, especially seniors and children, safely in their homes rather than being forced out due to disrepair.

About Morris Habitat for Humanity

Founded in 1985, Morris Habitat for Humanity builds new homes and provides home repair services to income-eligible families across Morris and Middlesex counties, as well as parts of Union and Somerset counties, including Fanwood, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Green Brook, North Plainfield, and Watchung. Since its founding, the affiliate has served more than 650 households through new construction, renovation, and repair programs.

Why Healthy Homes Grants Matter

Older housing stock in New Jersey frequently contains lead-based paint, outdated ventilation, moisture problems, and accessibility challenges that can produce asthma, lead poisoning, falls, and other preventable harms. Programs like HUD's Healthy Homes grant enable community-based organizations to address these hazards at no cost to income-qualified homeowners.

Congressional Advocacy

Sherrill's office has previously directed federal resources to New Jersey housing needs. The congresswoman has argued that targeted investments in healthy housing infrastructure deliver dual benefits: safer homes for residents and long-term savings for the healthcare system when illness and injury are prevented.

How Families Can Access Services

Low-income homeowners in Morris and Middlesex counties who believe they may qualify for home repair or aging-in-place modifications can contact Morris Habitat for Humanity directly to learn about eligibility and application requirements. Because demand for these services typically exceeds capacity, applying early is recommended.