First Hope Bank officially launched the 2025 Rural Rally in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey (HHNNJ) on Oct. 27. The initiative, part of the nationally recognized 2025 Carter Work Project, aims to expand affordable housing opportunities and revitalize rural communities.
Volunteers from First Hope Bank joined community members in Wantage to participate in a property cleanup, marking the official start of the effort to prepare the site for future affordable housing construction for a local family.
Beyond hands-on support, First Hope Bank provided a $5,000 donation to HHNNJ’s ongoing efforts. The bank also facilitated the organization’s retail operations by donating the use of its Andover branch parking lot to host a mobile Habitat ReStore, which is operating while Habitat searches for a new permanent home for its expansion into Sussex County.
“At First Hope Bank, we believe that giving back to our community is not just our responsibility—it’s part of who we are,” said Dan Beatty, President and CEO of First Hope Bank. “Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey allows us to make a tangible difference by helping local families achieve stability and hope through homeownership. We’re honored to be part of the 2025 Carter Work Project.”
The Rural Rally continues the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter’s lifelong commitment to Habitat’s mission of building homes, hope, and opportunity. The partnership between the Hope-headquartered community bank and HHNNJ is poised to transform the Wantage property into safe, affordable housing, building on the bank’s century-long commitment to fostering local economic growth and community support.
