How homeownership is becoming a reality for two families in Perth Amboy

Suzanne Russell, MyCentralJersey.com
·2 min read

Two families are closer to realizing their dreams of owning an affordable home with the help of Morris Habitat for Humanity, following the recent groundbreaking of their single-family houses on corner lots facing Pine Street in Perth Amboy.

The April 27 groundbreaking marked Morris Habitat for Humanity's third partnership with Perth Amboy's Redevelopment Team for Neighborhood Enterprise and Revitalization (PARTNER).

“This groundbreaking is a belief in tomorrow for two families who will lay roots, build wealth and financial stability, and have shelter from all sorts of storms,” said Blair Schleicher Wilson, Morris Habitat CEO. She stressed the need for affordable homes in New Jersey, citing a study that determined the state is in need of 200,000 units of affordable housing.

Schleicher Wilson was joined in the ceremony by Douglas G. Dzema, PARTNER executive director and executive director of the Housing Authority of Perth Amboy; Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba; Dorothy Carty-Daniel, chairperson for PARTNER and the Perth Amboy Housing Authority; State Sen. Joseph F. Vitale and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez.

Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba, center, joins the families who will receive homes as part of a Morris Habitat for Humanity program.
Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba, center, joins the families who will receive homes as part of a Morris Habitat for Humanity program.

“PARTNER has been providing the funding for acquiring vacant lots, and we are grateful for Habitat sharing their expertise and their unwavering support throughout these years,” said Dzema, adding a $334,166 HUD Home Investment Partnership Program grant was awarded to the project through the city.

“These homes are not just buildings; they symbolize hope and a brighter future for our city. They represent the potential for change and progress, and they are a testament to what we can achieve when we work together," Caba said.

More: Morris Habitat for Humanity celebrates new Old Bridge home

“This is like a dream come true and it’s been 20 years in the making,” said Penelope V. on behalf of her parents, the future new homeowners. Penelope works with AmeriCorps. She will be sharing the home with her parents, Juan, a maintenance worker, and Maximina, a school bus aide.

“Right now I feel such happiness and joy,” said Hilton D. who will share one of the new homes with his wife, Mylacaryz, an Army veteran, and their three children, ages 13, 9 and 4. “We’re looking forward to building our home with our own hands.”

The future homeowners will perform a minimum of 300 hours of “sweat equity” toward building their own homes, the homes of others or volunteering in other capacities within the organization such as at the ReStore or other community events.

In addition to the city, major sponsors of the homes include Citizens Bank, The Estate of Robert and Rose Kaeppel, Investors Foundation, Provident Bank Foundation, PSEG, Rotary Club of Old Bridge and Sayreville, Santander, and the TD Charitable Foundation.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ affordable housing: Homeownership becoming reality in Perth Amboy