BERKELEY – As Laniece and her sons put shovels into the dirt for a ceremonial groundbreaking, they weren’t only turning soil, but laying down roots.
This is the 23rd home build performed by the Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, and the seventh in Berkeley. The Township donated the lot in Manitou Park, where Laniece’s home will be built.
“It’s been a very long road for me and my family,” said Laniece, who will be raising her family here. “This community means a lot to me. My grandfather used to live down the street and my mother around the corner. It feels good to have a community that I know and feel safe in for me and my kids. We can go down the road and see people we know and feel welcome.”
This won’t be the only time that Laniece will have to get her hands dirty. Habitat requires the future homeowner to earn “sweat equity” by helping with the construction in any way they can. Often, when showing off their house for the first time, they’ll point to stairs they built or rooms they painted.
“Laniece and her sons are finally reaching the American Dream of homeownership,” Mayor John Bacchione said. “Attending these events is always something I am proud to do. Every family deserves a place to call home, to feel welcome and safe and now Laniece can put roots down here in Berkeley Township.”
The land had been donated by the town in 2022. Habitat thanked Bacchione as well as Senator Carmen Amato – who were both on hand for the groundbreaking. Amato was mayor when this land was donated.
This is one of many things that town officials have done to pave the way for Habitat to build in the community. At a recent meeting, they waived the zoning and construction permit fees for a different property, 23 Eleventh Street, for Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.
Meanwhile, Central Regional High School students in the Habitat for Humanity Club helped with another big project.
Habitat conducts home repair and preservation for people who meet certain financial and other requirements. The projects generally keep people in their homes and include such items as winterization and building ramps. This was the 400th critical home repair and it was done for a veteran in Brick.
The homeowner, John, is an Air Force veteran who served four years in North Korea. He and his partner, Jennifer, both have arthritis and mobility issues, so they needed modifications and repairs done so they could age in place in their home.
The students power washed, took down a rotted fence, weeded, and cleaned up the yard. They also took time getting to know the homeowners.
The volunteers built a new back porch and front porch and a ramp that extends from the porch to the driveway, Habitat said. The Ocean County Vocational Technical School assisted with the construction.
The couple also received a tub-to-shower conversion. This project will be funded by the Brick Township Community Development Block Grant.
“It fills me with immense joy to acknowledge our 400th critical home repair, especially for a veteran. This repair symbolizes our commitment to honoring those who’ve served our nation. Each repaired home represents the dedication of our staff, volunteers, community members, and partners in helping to restore hope and dignity for families in need. Thank you to all involved in making this milestone possible,” said Kristine Novakowski, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.
