Community and philanthropic partners joined elected officials and Montclair State University on June 4 for a special groundbreaking ceremony for a new home to begin addressing housing inequities in Paterson, New Jersey.<\/p>\n
The project is the first initiative in Phase 2 of One Square Mile<\/a> (OSM), the hyperlocal, place-based initiative supported by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation<\/a> designed to revitalize a designated area of Paterson that began in February 2023. Phase 2 will focus on creating housing solutions for Paterson residents in the first, fourth and fifth wards of the city over the next five years.<\/p>\n Through the partnership, Passaic County Habitat for Humanity<\/a> will construct its 300th new home in the city of Paterson, a 3-bedroom, 2 bathroom home, which will be located at 45 Auburn Street. Other partners on the project include ADP and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.<\/p>\n \u201cUniversities, when utilized properly, can help bring about lasting change that benefits all people,\u201d says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. \u201cOur work with the City of Paterson through the One Square Mile initiative and beyond has been driven by our community partners and has already yielded positive results. Our collaboration with Passaic County Habitat for Humanity will only build on our ongoing efforts and respond directly to the demonstrated need for affordable housing within Paterson.\u201d<\/p>\n The project will further Montclair\u2019s commitment to creating hands-on learning and service opportunities as part of the One Square Mile initiative.<\/p>\n Students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to participate in the construction during a series of building days in July, August, September, October and November 2025, and January and February 2026, directly impacting the community by helping create a new home for a qualified family.<\/p>\n Within One Square Mile\u2019s designated area:<\/p>\n \u201cHousing has become a national crisis, and in Paterson\u2019s One Square Mile, this crisis is most acute,\u201d says Passaic County Habitat for Humanity CEO Scott Millard. \u201cThe house we will begin construction on today represents a step towards addressing that crisis, and this step would not be possible without all the partners who have come together to make this step possible.\u201d<\/p>\n The project is the first designed to address the initiative\u2019s five housing goals outlined at a special event in November 2024<\/a> that will be pursued over the next five years.<\/p>\n \u201cMontclair\u2019s collaboration with Passaic County Habitat for Humanity on the build project stems from the discovery phase of the One Square Mile initiative, where local residents identified housing as the top priority for our collective impact project,\u201d says Montclair Associate Vice President for Community Partnerships Bryan Murdock. \u201cThis project serves as both a symbolic and concrete expression of the University\u2019s commitment, alongside its community and philanthropic partners, to addressing the urgent housing crisis affecting residents within the OSM.\u201d<\/p>\n The second phase of One Square Mile is the latest achievement in the expanding relationship between Montclair State University and the City of Paterson.<\/p>\n The University opened The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium<\/a> in April of 2024, which engages audiences in the history of the Negro Leagues and its famous players while creating learning opportunities for both Montclair students and the students of Paterson Public Schools.<\/p>\n The first phase of One Square Mile saw Paterson\u2019s Eastside High School transform into a University-assisted community school<\/a> through support from the Dodge Foundation and the work of community partners.<\/p>\n Prospective Students:<\/strong> It\u2019s not too late to apply! Montclair State University is still accepting applications<\/a> and deposits for fall 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n Looking Ahead?<\/strong> The application for fall 2026 opens August 1. Plan your visit<\/a> and take your first step<\/a> in applying to become a Red Hawk!<\/p>\nCreating Opportunities to Serve<\/h2>\n
Housing Statistics in Paterson, NJ<\/h2>\n
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One Square Mile Phase Two Goals<\/h2>\n
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Montclair State University and the City of Paterson<\/h2>\n
Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?<\/h2>\n