Jackson Home to Begin Construction Soon!
The Northern
Ocean Habitat for Humanity is building its first home in Jackson and should be completed in about seven months, according
to Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Suzan Fichtner. “We will engage the community in our efforts
to build a safe, decent home for a working family,” said Fichtner. “The effort will include youths through our
campus chapter program, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, youth groups, the faith community through the Jackson clergy, civic service
organizations, members of the business community and our regular volunteers from construction. “The individuals and
families that partner with Habitat for Humanity [may be] hairstylists, school bus drivers, receptionists, security guards,
janitors, home health aids, child care workers or cashiers,” she said. “We need to provide affordable housing
so they can live in our community; otherwise, they are forced to relocate and the community suffers.”
Fichtner said the Habitat home will be built in central Jackson on a parcel of land
that was donated by builder Mitch Leigh. . Other individuals and firms are also contributing to the initial work that will
be required. Fichtner said. Mike Murray, the president of Midlantic Construction, is providing his firm to do the excavation
work free of charge.
The construction project is being sponsored by Lowe’s home improvement store. “A national partner since
2003, Lowe’s has supported Habitat through programs, project funding, how-to clinics and by underwriting Habitat’s
Women Build program,” said Fichtner. “Lowe’s provided Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity with a $30,000
grant to build this house.”
The chapter has built 10 houses during its 10-year history in northern Ocean
County. Founded by George Scardena, the regional area in which the organization constructs homes includes Point Pleasant,
Beachwood, Berkeley, Brick Township, Island Heights, Jackson, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Manchester, Plumsted, Ocean Gate, Pine
Beach, South Toms River and Toms River.
To read Dave Benjamin's complete article go to www.gmnews.com and click on the August 5th edition of Tri Town News.
