A New Beginning: Corinne and Her Three Sons Celebrate Homeownership in Cherry Hill

On June 30, Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey celebrated a life-changing milestone as Corinne and her three sons received the keys to their new home during a heartfelt Home Dedication Ceremony in Cherry Hill.

Surrounded by family, volunteers, donors, community partners, and local elected officials, Corinne officially crossed the threshold into homeownership—a moment years in the making. The celebration included tours of the home, remarks from community leaders, and the presentation of the keys that symbolized not only a new house, but a future built on stability, hope, and opportunity.

This project represents the power of partnership. Cherry Hill Township made the home possible by donating the original property and adjacent land while also providing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding toward the rehabilitation of the home. Through this collaboration, an aging property was transformed into a beautiful, affordable home where one local family can build lasting memories.

For Corinne, a devoted single mother of three boys, the journey to homeownership has been defined by resilience, determination, and faith.

While living in a two-bedroom apartment in Ocean County, Corinne faced challenges that tested her family in unimaginable ways. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, her youngest son became seriously ill, requiring extended hospital stays that ultimately led to the loss of her job. Rather than giving up, she adapted, securing a remote position with an out-of-state insurance company that allowed her to continue supporting her family while caring for her children.

Through every setback, Corinne remained committed to her faith, her family, and the belief that better days were ahead.

Her Habitat journey began after discovering the organization’s homeownership program on social media. After meeting Habitat’s income qualifications, she was selected through a lottery of eligible applicants. From there, she dedicated herself to the program—completing financial education classes, homeowner preparation, and hundreds of hours of sweat equity alongside Habitat volunteers.

“I hope my children take away that no matter what life throws at you or how many obstacles you have to overcome, you should never give up on your dreams,” Corinne shared. “I hope they learn that perseverance matters, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that even when the path isn’t easy or doesn’t look the way you imagined, it’s still possible to build the life you’re hoping for.”

Today, her family is moving from a cramped apartment into a fully renovated 1,107-square-foot home featuring three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a modern kitchen, central heating and air conditioning, and a newly constructed addition completed by Habitat. For her sons, ages 13, 11, and 6, the home offers something they’ve never had before—a yard to play in and bedrooms of their own.

“This home represents answered prayers and new beginnings,” Corinne said. “We’re starting this new chapter surrounded by so much love and support. People I’ve never met gave their time, energy, and kindness to help build a better future for my family. It’s the most welcomed and supported I’ve ever felt during a major life transition.”

The Cherry Hill home was truly a community effort.

Over the course of construction, 304 volunteers contributed 2,023 hours to bring the project to life. Volunteer groups included Corporate Synergies, CSAA Insurance Group, California Closets, Freedom Mortgage, Weber Gallagher, Trane, Cherry Hill Township employees, Cherry Hill High School East students, and many dedicated individual volunteers.

The dedication ceremony was equally reflective of the community’s investment in the project. Cherry Hill Township officials, Camden County Commissioners, corporate sponsors, volunteers, and supporters gathered to celebrate alongside Corinne and her family. The Girl Scouts presented welcome home baskets, offering a thoughtful reminder that a community was ready to embrace its newest neighbors. The event also received media coverage from 6ABC, CBS News Philadelphia, NJ Pen, and the Cherry Hill Sun.

As CEO Lori Leonard shared during the ceremony:

“With hundreds of hours of hard work, dedication, and learning, another South Jersey family has made their dreams a reality. From finance classes and homeowner preparation seminars to painting walls and cutting trim on their homes, their journey with Habitat for Humanity is a story of resilience and strength. This new home is more than a structure—it’s a sanctuary of safety, stability, and shelter built with love and hope.”

Habitat’s work in Cherry Hill extends beyond new home construction. Through its Neighborhood Revitalization program, the organization continues to provide critical home repairs throughout the community, including roof replacements, accessibility improvements, and other essential repairs that help families remain safely in their homes. Many of these repairs are supported through Cherry Hill RISE funding.

Reflecting on her experience, Corinne hopes her story offers encouragement to others facing difficult circumstances.

“I think life can make people lose hope,” she said. “I hope my journey shows others that it’s okay to reach out for help, to keep working hard, and to hold on to faith even when it’s difficult. God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the timing we want or in the exact way we expect, but He still provides what we need. Even during the hardest seasons, there is reason to keep going and to believe that better days are possible.”

For Corinne and her three sons, June 30 marked more than the dedication of a house. It was the beginning of a new chapter—one built on the foundation of perseverance, community, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.