Interfaith and NJNG celebrate 20 years of affordable housing
Program helps bring home ownership from dream to reality
Moving home ownership from a dream to reality is behind the 20-year collaboration between New Jersey Natural Gas [NJNG] and Interfaith Neighbors.
What began in 1996, with a $25,000 donation to Interfaith Neighbors for an Asbury Park home restoration project, has grown to a total of 100 affordable homes provided through the utility company’s Home Ownership Program, officials said in a written statement.
“The home we dedicate today is a milestone for the family and for us,” NJNG CEO Laurence M. Downes said during last week’s dedication at 13 DeWitt Avenue. “…It’s the first home for a deserving family who will help this community continue to thrive and grow.”
The 13 DeWitt Avenue project completes a seven-year effort as part of the Strategic Target Area Rebuilding Spirit [STARS] Redevelopment Plan of Asbury Park’s west side neighborhoods.
STARS works to improve housing conditions and create more affordable home ownership opportunities. The funding is provided through the New Jersey Housing and Urban Development Neighborhood Stabilization Program, in collaboration with the Affordable Housing Alliance, Coastal Habitat for Humanity, NJNG and other community businesses.
Through the program Interfaith Neighbors has developed a total of 28 units of new, affordable housing; 20 for-sale homes and eight rental units in the Springwood Center building, located on Springwood Avenue.
“Through partnerships such as this, we are able to provide residents the chance to purchase beautiful, new and highly affordable homes, while helping to rebuild and strengthen local neighborhoods in the process,” Interfaith Neighbors’ Executive Director Joseph Marmora said.
To continue their efforts to empower families and strengthen the community through home ownership, Downes and COO Kathleen Ellis presented Marmora with a $20,000 check [at right] to forward Interfaith Neighbors’ efforts to provide families with access to decent, affordable housing in Monmouth County.
On DeWitt Avenue alone, nine vacant lots have been transformed into single-family, for-sale homes through the STARS Redevelopment Plan. Each home is outfitted with energy-efficient appliances and lighting, officials said.
Founded in 1988, Interfaith Neighbors works to assist Monmouth County residents increase their self-sufficiency and meet their basic needs. The nonprofit operates eight programs: rental and mortgage assistance, senior nutrition, affordable housing, its NJ Youth Corps Program of Monmouth County, neighborhood revitalization, business development, and workforce development through the Kula Café and Kula Urban Farm.
Ninety-five cents of every dollar contributed to Interfaith Neighbors goes directly to support one of these activities.
For more information about NJR, visit www.njresources.com.
For more information about Interfaith Neighbors, visit www.interfaithneighbors.org.
[Photos courtesy of Interfaith Neighbors of past developed homes]
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