Passaic County Habitat Receives Best Innovative Design Solution Award for 135 Summer Street, Passaic

Passaic County Habitat for Humanity’s construction team has been awarded the “Best Innovative Design Solution” award by Habitat for Humanity International for our 135 Summer Street, Passaic project. As part of its annual Habitat House Design Contest, winners demonstrate Habitat’s commitment to high-quality housing that is safe and affordable for the long term, as well as strategies that advance shelter technology toward building more and building better in recognition of responsibility to meet immense affordable housing need in an equitable way. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The project which broke ground in March 2022, is located in the City of Passaic. Constructed on the previous site of the Albert Lawson VFW Hall, it will consist of 4 affordable homeownership housing units and a reimagined and reconstructed VFW Hall.

Designs were judged by a broad and esteemed group of construction experts, based on criteria developed by a committee, which included representatives from affiliates of all sizes and regions of the U.S., along with at-large industry professionals and Habitat for Humanity International staff members. Highlighted features and design elements were selected based on the quality of material, durability of design, affordability, suitability for volunteer construction, and ability to lower the cost of long-term home maintenance and operations. Not every feature exhibits each trait; the scoring process was designed to assess a plan with the most advantageous configuration of elements and traits based on both adaptability and regional conditions.

Passaic County Habitat’s award noted their excellent approach to meeting unique community needs through home construction.

Scott Millard, Passaic County Habitat’s CEO, “With so much great work going on throughout the Habitat network we are thrilled and honored to have this innovative project recognized. We hope the recognition will help spur other collaborative partnerships across the country which can address both the affordable housing shortage and the need for additional community supports for our country’s veterans."