OCEAN COUNTY – The weather was brisk as people hit the Seaside Heights boardwalk for a fundraising walk to help people strengthen their homes against the elements.
While Northern Ocean Habitat For Humanity is known for providing houses to families in need, they also have a vibrant Critical Home Repair program. This makes repairs for people who haven’t had the financial ability. Weather-proofing is just one part of it; they also do safety improvements.
One of the Critical Home Repair recipients from the past, Janice, shared how the program has enabled her to remain safe and independent in the neighborhood she’s accustomed to.
“The repairs Habitat did make me want to stay in my home. I love my house now. I have a beautiful door, a warm roof, and steps I can walk down without falling through,” Janice said.
Habitat’s 50th anniversary theme “Opening The Door” was expanded to local schools, where students painted doors that were on display. These works of art represented what a home means to them, since a safe home is the first building block of the future with opportunities, stability, and hope.
A number of sponsors, volunteers and staff worked together to make the event a success. Habitat thanked all of their sponsors as well as photographer Angie Lombardi, fellow vendor Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department’s Mounted Unit for leading off the walk, and the Ocean County Amateur Radio Emergency Service for supporting safety along the boardwalk and assisting with turnaround points.
“I’ve been in this role for four and a half years, and you might think that after more than 200 repairs, the projects – and the homeowners – would start to blur together. But that’s never been the case. Every home has its own story. Every door we open shows a little slice of our community. And some people you meet just stay with you,” said Program Manager Amy Schratz.
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