Construction of Habitat for Humanity House Underway

A three-generation family will have a home in Huntington Station through their own sweat equity and the help of Habitat for Humanity.

Town officials, Habitat workers, volunteers from the NPD Group, and the future homeowners attended a raise-the-wall ceremony Wednesday at 54 East Eighth St, replacing a dilapidated home that was torn down and the property donated to Habitat. But the effort didn’t stop with the wall–crews of professionals and volunteers in brightly colored t-shirts and hardhats immediately got to work in a swirl of constant motion, the sound of hammers filling the the air.

Stefanie, her daughter, Tiffany, and two grandchildren are Suffolk residents who will move into the house when it’s completed, said Lee Silberman, CEO of Habitat of Long Island, who said the build should take about eight months. They have been working with Habit since about November, Tiffany said.

“We are grateful for this opportunity provided by Habitat for Humanity of Long Island and are looking forward to the stability of homeownership and being together under one roof,” Tiffany, who is a healthcare worker, said.

“As we have done for decades, Habitat for Humanity’s goal is to inspire hope for families and help them to build a better life for themselves and their loved ones,” Silberman said.  “We are excited today to celebrate the wall-raising with our partner, The NPD Group, and acknowledge their generous sponsorship gift and commitment to roll up their sleeves in support of our life-changing work at our latest construction project in Huntington Station.”

Habitat for Humanity says, “Our goal is to work in partnership with thousands of Suffolk County volunteers and responsible, lower income families of all races, religions, and creeds to build and renovate homes so that there are decent houses in decent communities.”

“Our mission is the bring people together to build,” Silberman said. “Our vision is that everyone has a decent place to live.”

Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth said, “I am thrilled to have Habitat for Humanity return to Huntington for their first project here in 17 years and I hope we can continue the trend of bringing that pride of ownership into our communities for deserving families who want to improve their quality of life and be a part of grassroots neighborhood revitalization.”

“Habitat for Humanity does incredible work all over the world, and I’m elated to see them return to the Town of Huntington,” said Councilwoman Joan Cergol.

Silberman said that many volunteers come through corporate efforts but walk-on volunteers are welcome at different times and projects. To volunteer for a building site or other Habitat projects, go to https://habitatliny.org/programs/volunteer_individual

“Long Island has been home to NPD for over 30 years, and throughout this time we have been committed to giving back to our community,” said Karyn Schoenbart, CEO at NPD. “We are thrilled to partner with Habitat for Humanity on this important mission to improve our neighborhoods and the lives of the people living in them.”

 

 

 

 

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