In celebration of Earth Day, Morris Habitat for Humanity and three other Habitat for Humanity affiliates in northern New Jersey are kicking off a yearlong “Every day is Earth Day” initiative, encouraging people to donate their used cars, trucks RVs, boats and other vehicles to help raise funds to build affordable homes.
Now through June 30, Habitat for Humanity International also will provide a matching grant of up to $100,000 from Habitat’s Cars for Homes program, doubling the value of any vehicles donated to Paterson Habitat, Habitat Newark, Morris Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County.
Vehicles from Zip codes in Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, as well as donations made by phone when the donor specifically asks for the funds to go to one of those Habitat affiliates, will count toward the matching program.
For nearly six years, Habitat’s Cars for Homes funds have been distributed to 1,055 local Habitat for Humanity organizations in the United States, Canada and overseas to help build affordable homes. More than 30,000 vehicles have been donated to the program, equaling nearly $3 million a year for Habitat affiliates worldwide.
“Many times, used cars end up in a landfill or sitting idle, but donating a vehicle for recycling or reselling is a hassle-free and easy way for anyone to help support their local Habitat affiliate and help provide affordable housing within their own community,” said Marcia Rundle, director of Habitat’s Cars for Homes program. “On average, more than 50 percent of the vehicles we receive each year are recycled, so donating idle cars not only helps the community but also lets all of us be good stewards of our environment.”
Interested donors can call 1-877-277-HFHI (4344) or donate a car or other vehicle online. Donor contact, title and vehicle information are collected, and Cars for Homes will tow accepted vehicles away free. Donors receive an acknowledgement letter for their car donations.
