Benebone Builds!
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey and Benebone have partnered to bring a second affordable homeownership opportunity to Mercer County. Ever since breaking ground and placing the modular home on its foundation last fall, Benebone employees across the country had been counting the days until they could lend a hand on the construction site.
Celebrating Benebone’s 10th year of providing dogs with high-quality, durable chews after its founding in New Jersey in 2012, the tight-knit team at Benebone has come together to lend a hand and help take on landscaping, painting, and finish work like trim and doors. While some team members came from as far away as England, others, including founder Peter Toolan and his family, live and work in our community everyday. Peter grew up in Mercer County, and both his father and sister have joined him not just at Benebone, but in supporting Habitat as well. Together with Habitat staff, Benebone employees will bring the house one step closer to completion and ready for a local, hardworking family to purchase and make it their home.
Benebone’s CEO Peter Toolan said: “Our company has deep roots in New Jersey since its founding here a decade ago. So we’re thrilled to give back right here in our own community, where I grew up as a child. At Benebone, giving back is in our DNA. We’re a family business, and there is no more universal family need than that of a home. We’re thrilled to join Habitat of Mercer County on this vital mission!”
The home under construction is a two-story,3-bed, 1.5-bath modular nestled in a walkable, residential neighborhood. It will be complete with efficient features like Whirlpool appliances and a tankless water heater. And like all Habitat for Humanity homes, this Benebone sponsored house will be sold to an income qualified family with an affordable, thirty-year mortgage and make payments that are no more than 30% of their household income.
Chief Development Officer, Annie Fox said, “In our time partnering together, we have found our missions, visions, and values go together like belly rubs and tail wags. It still feels like a dream to have the dedicated and passionate team at Benebone as partners, and we can’t wait to see how this joint affordable homeownership project turns out for our partner family!”
Soon to be homeowner, Ebony, learned about Habitat for Humanity’s Affordable Homeownership Program after receiving an email notification from her daughter’s high school
and thought it would be a great opportunity for her family. As a domestic violence survivor, her primary goal for herself and her family has been safety and stability. In her current unaffordable and overcrowded 2-bedroom apartment, Ebony’s three teenage daughters share one bedroom.
Her initial thoughts after she learned that she was approved for the program were, “This is too good to be true!” As a renter for the past 10 years, and a divorcee, homeownership would allow Ebony to invest money into a home while building equity that can stay within her family for generations. When asked what her hopes were for being a part of the Habitat for Humanity’s program, Ebony said, “I want to build friendships that will last a lifetime.” Ebony and her daughters have enthusiastically volunteered alongside several partner families at Habitat’s construction sites and the ReStore. So much so, that they eagerly completed 82.5 hours of sweat equity since the month of March! This is no easy feat, as Ebony works full-time as a Certified Medical Assistant, and her oldest daughter, Jasmine, is a freshman in college.
As a new homeowner, she is most looking forward to starting her own garden. Ebony was asked if she had any words of advice for future Habitat Homeowners about the program. She said, “Put your hopes into action! Perform the work that will become your destiny!”