On May 10th, 2025, the sun shone over Harmony Township as around one hundred friends, family members, volunteers, and community members gathered to celebrate an achievement years in the making. Michael “Scrappy” Chobot, a familiar face to anyone involved with Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey (Habitat NWNJ), was surrounded by his family as he gratefully accepted the keys to his new Habitat home.
Michael’s Home Dedication ceremony was more than a celebration—it was a full-circle moment. A volunteer, employee, and now homeowner, he has been part of the Habitat NWNJ community for over a decade. From his early days helping to pick up donations with his son, to becoming the ReStore’s General Manager, he has devoted himself to the mission of building homes, communities, and hope. Being selected for a Habitat home allowed him to dive into the mission even more: attending homeownership workshops, finding new ways to volunteer, and even working alongside the volunteer construction crew to build his own home.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the Almighty God for everything and all things,” Michael reflected as he addressed the crowd. “I’m sitting here in my tears of joy as I sweep across this turnout today… it’s huge, bigger than I remember them. Each and every one of you touched my spirit in some way. I’m always about happy memories…. Even in the hardest times we can find joy in challenges. I especially want to thank the ReStore. You guys put up with me much more than anyone else.”
Michael Chobot is the kind of person who has a way of leaving a lasting impression, no matter how small the interaction. While he expressed his gratitude for his friends and family leaving an impact on him, everyone in attendance, including volunteers, staff, Board Members, and even regular ReStore customers reminisced on how Michael had touched their lives as well.
For Michael, the journey to homeownership was a tale of determination. He applied once before and was not selected, but his hope remained strong. When the next application period opened up, he applied again and was chosen from a blind lottery. He will now share his new home with his son Matthew and daughter Kimmy.
Michael’s story is a powerful reminder of Habitat’s commitment to giving a “hand up, not a handout.” While he was the first employee selected under the affiliate’s homeowner eligibility policy, his application underwent the same rigorous, unbiased selection process required of all applicants—including credit checks, home visits, and review by a selection committee. His success was earned through perseverance, a strong work ethic, his steadfast faith and unwavering belief in Habitat NWNJ’s mission.
As the ceremony came to a close and guests began to catch up and share hugs, laughter, and memories, one thing was certain: this house is more than four walls and a roof. It’s a dream realized, and a well-earned homecoming for one of Habitat NWNJ’s own.
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About 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.
CONTACT:
Brittany Krug
Public Relations Manager
Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey
908-835-1300 x11
[email protected]
