Habitat for Humanity of Long Island will raise the walls on a new affordable home alongside PSEG Long Island, BK Builder and veteran supporters from Team Rubicon and Southwire in East Hampton, New York on Monday, October 31st at 9:00 a.m.
The site of the wall raise ceremony, 50 Thomas Avenue, in East Hampton, is the future home for Matt, a single father and U.S Marine Corps veteran, and his son, Jackson who are currently living in a small basement apartment that is not suitable for their needs.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Habitat family,” said Matt, who for the past 12 years has worked for The East Hampton Star, a local newspaper. “Raising my son alone has been challenging in a small, crowded apartment. To actually help build our own house will be such a solid foundation for us and partnering with Habitat and being chosen for a house is a life-changing event.”
The homeowner will fulfill 300 hours of “sweat equity,” helping to build his home and houses for other families in the program. In addition, they will go through financial preparation classes and volunteer for community service. Each homeowner will sign a 30-year mortgage with two percent interest, with Habitat for Humanity of Long Island holding a second mortgage.
“Partnering with Habitat Long Island will enable us to stay in the same community and put down roots,” said Matt. “I look forward to getting the dog my son has been wanting for so long. Since he is an only child, a puppy will allow him to have someone to care for and keep him company.”
This wall-raise is a Habitat Long Island 2022 Veterans Blitz Build; the home is sponsored by PSEG Long Island. The build partner is BK Builder, who will build this home with help from H.B. Millwork, Ned Steven Gutter Cleaning, Palermo Paving, Quackenbush Cesspools, Window World and other subcontractors in approximately three weeks.
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Lee Silberman said, “We are grateful to each sponsor, supporter and volunteer helping to make this new home a reality. The Veterans Blitz Build program – which lets us build unique partnerships with builders, sponsors, and volunteer groups – accelerates completion of new-build projects like this one. This will be our 236th home on Long Island – we hope to have the opportunity to partner with other veterans in the future.”
About Habitat for Humanity of Long Island:
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, Inc. is an independently operated affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Since 1988, Habitat Long Island has empowered hundreds of families to achieve their homeownership dreams through its affordable home ownership program, building 6-8 houses annually. Recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, Habitat Long Island works in partnership with thousands of Long Island volunteers and responsible, lower-income families of all races, religions and creeds, to build and renovate homes for those in need.