Building Homes from the Heart

Toms River, NJ (November 7, 2023) Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity and 100.1 WJRZ partnered for their 4th Building Homes from the Heart event on October 11 and 12. Corporate partners and sponsors gathered in the parking lot of the Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Route 37 in Toms River, marking the beginning of Habitat’s 23rd home build.

This year, volunteers from Crossroads Realty, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, Donovan Catholic High School, Manchester Township High School, Wells Fargo, and the American Water Works Association put hammers in their hands and built the exterior panels of the home.

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity’s 23rd home is being built in Manitou Park, Berkeley Township. Mayor Carmen Amato of Berkeley Township came out to volunteer and worked alongside Crossroads Realty during the Building Homes from the Heart event. Mayor Amato and Berkeley Township helped facilitate this build by donating $125,000 and the land to build the home. The partner family selected for this home is a mother, Laniece, and her two sons, who have been living in shelters, hotels, and rental homes for years. Laniece has always dreamed of giving her family a safe and stable place to live and grow.

“We’re about to turn over a new page, building security, stability, and community. Habitat makes us feel so welcome. After my tough journey, this is like a breath of fresh air. I don’t have to be on high alert and worry anymore. My sons are so excited to stay in one place. It’s wonderful knowing what I’ve always wanted is in reach and it’s about to start,” -Laniece.

Building Homes from the Heart sponsors:

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Wells Fargo

Carpets To Go

Carl's Fencing, Decking, & Home Improvements

Woodhaven Lumber & Millwork Inc.

All County Exteriors

Jersey Coast Appliance

Fortified Roofing

Berkeley Township

Christone Electric

About Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, a New Jersey-based affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, was founded in 1999. Through volunteerism, skilled labor, and donations of money and materials, the organization rehabilitates and builds safe houses alongside its homeowner/ partner families. Northern Ocean Habitat also operates the ReStore, a retail shop that generates funds through sales of donated goods and keeps materials out of landfills. The ReStore proceeds are to support new home builds and its Neighborhood Revitalization programs. The Neighborhood Revitalization initiative includes the Home Preservation, Housing Plus Aging in Place, A Brush with Kindness, and Veteran Repair programs. These programs provide home renovations addressing health and/or safety issues, all with the goal of keeping residents in the comfort of their own homes. To learn more, visit https://northernoceanhabitat.o...