WASHINGTON, N.J.
Hope in the Hills of Warren, a community extension of Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey, seeks to improve the living conditions of the elderly, low-income and disabled persons in our community. We work on resident-owned homes within the Warren Hills sending district in southern Warren County, NJ. This year HHW is sponsoring a Day of Help and a Weekend of Hope. The Day of Help is for spring cleaning. The Weekend of Hope is for minor home repairs. Labor and materials are free to qualifying households. Work will be done by teams of teenagers and adults, representing many Christian denominations and different community organizations.
April 17-19, 2026 marked our 16th year, Miles of Smiles brought an incredible outpouring of connection and care to homeowners across 25 homes. Eighty-six volunteers completed 170 tasks—24 of them critical safety repairs—totaling more than 1,300 hours of service. That’s the equivalent of over 57 days, nearly two months of continuous work. Even more meaningful than the numbers is the love behind them. Jennifer Knittel, Hope in the Hills organizer, told the volunteers, “Your presence and your efforts were a true and lasting blessing to each homeowner.”
Knittel went on to say: “Throughout the weekend, we witnessed so many God sightings.” In the perfect timing of the weather, the shared meals, the connections among crew members, and the hugs and smiles exchanged with homeowners—His presence was clear. A swing set finding the right home, flowers that perfectly matched the planters, the right skills showing up for each task, and volunteers stepping in to help when others had to leave—these moments remind us that this work is guided by something greater than ourselves.
The number of volunteers, the needs met, and the joy shared only happen through God’s careful hand. He provides the strength and shelter to serve, and the joy and smiles that make it all worthwhile.
Thank you for being part of this mission and for helping create miles of smiles that will last far beyond this weekend.
On behalf of the Steering Committee of Hope in the Hills of Warren
An outreach of Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey
Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey is a recently merged affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, International, combining the efforts of the Warren and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Having merged officially in 2025, they have served Sussex County since 1993 and Warren County since 1999. An accredited 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, Habitat’s mission is: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. You can learn more about Habitat NWNJ at habitatnwnj.org. #911#Habitat#HabitatforHumanityNWNJ
CONTACT:
Melanie Thiel
Public Relations Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey
908-835-1300 x11
[email protected]
