MONTCLAIR, NJ: Parishioners from St. Cassian Church in Upper Montclair, who had raised enough funds to build two homes for Habitat for Humanity Newark (HFHN), celebrated their efforts with a plaque dedication ceremony on Sunday, March 7.
The plaque lists the names of nearly 350 people who donated funds and volunteered their time to help build the two homes for hard-working, low-income families in Essex County.
Lisa Nelson, one of the homeowners, was on hand to thank the church and its parishioners for their generous support. “It’s been such a great experience having my own home,” Nelson said. “I really appreciate the help of this parish. These wonderful people have changed my life.”
Nelson, who has worked as a kindergarten teacher for 17 years, put in 400 hours of sweat equity and is making payments on a zero-interest mortgage.
“We all enjoyed rolling up our sleeves and working with the partner families,” said Lynn DeLuca, Chair of the St. Cassian Hearts for Habitat Committee, noting a large portion of the parish was engaged in the effort “spiritually, financially and physically.”
HFHN Deputy Executive Director Don Blaesser thanked DeLuca, the Reverend John Judge and the rest of the parishioners who participated in the effort. “Not only did they build houses for two families and help to strengthen a community; in doing so they brought their own community together,” Blaesser said, “If we don’t have people like St. Cassian’s parishioners helping Habitat, there is no Habitat.”
HFHN, which serves all of Essex County, has built 69 homes in Newark and has plans to build additional homes in Newark, West Orange and other municipalities in Essex County. If you are interested in helping to raise funds to build affordable housing for low-income families in Essex County, contact Habitat Newark’s main office at 298 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103-2436 or visit them online at habitatnewark.org.
About Habitat for Humanity Newark
Habitat for Humanity Newark, founded in 1986, is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to building simple, decent homes with low income families in Essex County. Using volunteer labor and tax deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity Newark has helped 69 low income families move into new homes. Partner families contribute 400 hours of “sweat equity” and make payments on zero interest loans.
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