On behalf of Habitat Newark, we would like to wish you a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season!
Thank you for all your support throughout this past year.
We would also like to congratulate Precious Kwia and her family on their new Habitat home! The family's house, Habitat Newark's 69th home, was dedicated on December 5th. The house was sponsored by Exit Realty.
For more information about our new Habitat homeowners, please see this article: http://habitatnewark.org/docs/HFHN_realty-international-house-dedication.pdf
Monday, December 21, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
NJIT-Habitat Newark Partnership
Students in a New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) architecture studio welcomed a group of guests on Saturday to review their designs and provide practical feedback on the plans. The homeowners, all current residents of homes built by Habitat for Humanity Newark, reviewed designs that are slated to become the next generation of townhouses built by Habitat for Humanity in Newark beginning as early as next year.
By working on their projects with Habitat for Humanity homeowners, the students are getting the chance to take real client input and use it to create plans for practical buildings that will soon exist in wood and brick, not just on paper. They also must factor affordability into their designs, something professional architects have to do all of the time, but architecture students are rarely asked to do.
The team of fourth-year design students, taught by NJIT Associate Professor Darius Sollohub with architect and engineer Jak Inglese, began working on their designs in September.
“This will come close to simulating the process of a professional architectural office,” Professor Sollohub said. The students are using state-of-the-art computer software to analyze the energy efficiency and cost of their designs. “Taking affordability into account is rare in architectural schools,” Sollohub added.
By designing well insulated single-family townhomes, instead of free standing houses, the course aims to maximize both affordability and energy efficiency. The use of shared walls furthers that goal by leaving fewer sides of the homes exposed to the elements. The project is also aimed at achieving high Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) ratings for these homes, a designation which could earn grants from the state of New Jersey to underwrite the up-front costs of ecological design elements, such as solar panels and underground geothermal water tanks.
Representatives from Habitat Newark have been visiting the design studio every two weeks to discuss their needs with the students and offer input on the designs as they take shape. On Saturday, Habitat homeowners got the chance to offer their input.
“These students were able to get practical feedback from current Habitat families about their lifestyles and what their needs are,” said Jim Corbett, project manager for Habitat Newark. “It was a great opportunity for both the students and these families to work together to create functional residences for hard-working people.”
Each of the thirteen students came up with a design for a group of homes that would be practical, affordable and energy efficient. After Habitat Newark chooses one of the designs or a combination of several, Inglese, an expert on affordable housing and LEED design, will become the architect of record and will complete the plans for the soon-to-be Habitat homes.
Once the plans are finished and all needed approvals have been obtained, the building will be completed in the traditional Habitat for Humanity method, using crews that consist primarily of volunteers, including the families who will eventually become the homeowners. All Habitat homeowners contribute 400 hours of “sweat equity” on their homes and make payments on zero interest loans.
For more information about Habitat Newark, call 973-624-3330 or visit them online at www.habitatnewark.org. For more information about NJIT, call 973-596-3000 or visit them online at www.njit.edu.
By working on their projects with Habitat for Humanity homeowners, the students are getting the chance to take real client input and use it to create plans for practical buildings that will soon exist in wood and brick, not just on paper. They also must factor affordability into their designs, something professional architects have to do all of the time, but architecture students are rarely asked to do.
The team of fourth-year design students, taught by NJIT Associate Professor Darius Sollohub with architect and engineer Jak Inglese, began working on their designs in September.
“This will come close to simulating the process of a professional architectural office,” Professor Sollohub said. The students are using state-of-the-art computer software to analyze the energy efficiency and cost of their designs. “Taking affordability into account is rare in architectural schools,” Sollohub added.
By designing well insulated single-family townhomes, instead of free standing houses, the course aims to maximize both affordability and energy efficiency. The use of shared walls furthers that goal by leaving fewer sides of the homes exposed to the elements. The project is also aimed at achieving high Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) ratings for these homes, a designation which could earn grants from the state of New Jersey to underwrite the up-front costs of ecological design elements, such as solar panels and underground geothermal water tanks.
Representatives from Habitat Newark have been visiting the design studio every two weeks to discuss their needs with the students and offer input on the designs as they take shape. On Saturday, Habitat homeowners got the chance to offer their input.
“These students were able to get practical feedback from current Habitat families about their lifestyles and what their needs are,” said Jim Corbett, project manager for Habitat Newark. “It was a great opportunity for both the students and these families to work together to create functional residences for hard-working people.”
Each of the thirteen students came up with a design for a group of homes that would be practical, affordable and energy efficient. After Habitat Newark chooses one of the designs or a combination of several, Inglese, an expert on affordable housing and LEED design, will become the architect of record and will complete the plans for the soon-to-be Habitat homes.
Once the plans are finished and all needed approvals have been obtained, the building will be completed in the traditional Habitat for Humanity method, using crews that consist primarily of volunteers, including the families who will eventually become the homeowners. All Habitat homeowners contribute 400 hours of “sweat equity” on their homes and make payments on zero interest loans.
For more information about Habitat Newark, call 973-624-3330 or visit them online at www.habitatnewark.org. For more information about NJIT, call 973-596-3000 or visit them online at www.njit.edu.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Habitat Newark on 50 in 52
The 50 in 52 Journey aims to "To find the people who are moving America forward; to share and celebrate the incredible ways in which ordinary people do extraordinary things every day; and to bring together both problems and solutions with idea-generators and problem-solvers through the 50 in 52 Journey foundation." (http://www.50in52journey.com/)
The 50 in 52 Journey came to Habitat Newark and interviewed Executive Director Dave Zurheide and Board President Jeff Farrell. Here is the link to the video: http://habitatnewark.org/video/video-link/video.html
Enjoy!
The 50 in 52 Journey came to Habitat Newark and interviewed Executive Director Dave Zurheide and Board President Jeff Farrell. Here is the link to the video: http://habitatnewark.org/video/video-link/video.html
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Habitat Newark is now on facebook! Check out our site: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NewarkHabitat/85707204698
Monday, September 21, 2009
Goodsearch/Goodshop
Habitat Newark is now on Goodsearch. This is a search engine powered by Yahoo, where, with each search, a donation is made to Habitat Newark.
It's easy to use the site. Simply go to http://www.goodsearch.com/ and enter "Habitat for Humanity Newark" in the text box underneath "Who do you Goodsearch for?" then click "verify." After that, all your searches will benefit Habitat.
Another cool feature of this site is Goodshop. You can click on the Goodshop icon towards the bottom of the main page then the site will redirect you to your favorite shopping sites. With each purchase you make through Goodshop, a percentage of what you pay will be donated to Habitat Newark. There are also a lot of really good coupons available for using at these different vendors' websites.
It's never been easier to donate so check it out! http://www.goodsearch.com/
It's easy to use the site. Simply go to http://www.goodsearch.com/ and enter "Habitat for Humanity Newark" in the text box underneath "Who do you Goodsearch for?" then click "verify." After that, all your searches will benefit Habitat.
Another cool feature of this site is Goodshop. You can click on the Goodshop icon towards the bottom of the main page then the site will redirect you to your favorite shopping sites. With each purchase you make through Goodshop, a percentage of what you pay will be donated to Habitat Newark. There are also a lot of really good coupons available for using at these different vendors' websites.
It's never been easier to donate so check it out! http://www.goodsearch.com/
Women Build in Chic Mom Magazine
The quiet chatter coming from the basement of the St. Joseph's Rectory, Maplewood, NJ comes to a halt as Co-Chair, Lynn Blasser, leads a small group of women in simple prayer -a prayer for guidance and strength.
Lynn is Co-Chair of Women Build of Newark, NJ, a program of Habitat for Humanity International, which promotes the involvement of women in the funding and construction of Habitat homes. The group empowers women as they address the issue of substandard housing.
It is clear that this group of women possesses both the drive and skill needed to raise the walls for a family in need of affordable housing.
The commitment to provide affordable housing has never been greater as our nation continues to face difficult economic times. As our nation's small businesses suffer, donations plummet. Lynn and Co-Chair, Carol Pastor, push the group's creativity as an additional $30,000 is needed to reach their financial commitment of $90,000.
On this occasion, an opportunity has been presented to partner with The Women's Theater Company of Parsippany, NJ who is willing to donate the proceeds of an afternoon performance to the build. Within moments, the group of 12 quickly assign tasks and willingly take on the responsibility to assure the success of the latest fundraiser.
Unlike most women turning 60, Lynn did not visit the local nail salon or search for the perfect dress to celebrate one of life's milestones. Rather she grabbed her work boots and tools and joined those dear to her in the heart of Newark. Those invited to Lynn's 60th birthday party received an invitation to clear the earth as they prepared the site for the second build. In lieu of a gift each was asked to bring a check for $35 made out to Women Build. Lynn's infectious spirit and dedication to those less fortunate has brought over 300 women together since the inception of the Women Build initiative, which formed in 2003.
Along with her husband Don, Lynn was honored as"Volunteer of the Year 2005" for Habitat for Humanity Newark and the recipient of the "Advancing the Status of Women" award from the Soroptimist International of Suburban Essex. The power of one is a joy to witness and be a part of. The human spirit is truly abundant when encouraged.For more information on Women Build, Newark please visithttp://www.habitatnewark.org/women_build.htm
Lynn is Co-Chair of Women Build of Newark, NJ, a program of Habitat for Humanity International, which promotes the involvement of women in the funding and construction of Habitat homes. The group empowers women as they address the issue of substandard housing.
It is clear that this group of women possesses both the drive and skill needed to raise the walls for a family in need of affordable housing.
The commitment to provide affordable housing has never been greater as our nation continues to face difficult economic times. As our nation's small businesses suffer, donations plummet. Lynn and Co-Chair, Carol Pastor, push the group's creativity as an additional $30,000 is needed to reach their financial commitment of $90,000.
On this occasion, an opportunity has been presented to partner with The Women's Theater Company of Parsippany, NJ who is willing to donate the proceeds of an afternoon performance to the build. Within moments, the group of 12 quickly assign tasks and willingly take on the responsibility to assure the success of the latest fundraiser.
Unlike most women turning 60, Lynn did not visit the local nail salon or search for the perfect dress to celebrate one of life's milestones. Rather she grabbed her work boots and tools and joined those dear to her in the heart of Newark. Those invited to Lynn's 60th birthday party received an invitation to clear the earth as they prepared the site for the second build. In lieu of a gift each was asked to bring a check for $35 made out to Women Build. Lynn's infectious spirit and dedication to those less fortunate has brought over 300 women together since the inception of the Women Build initiative, which formed in 2003.
Along with her husband Don, Lynn was honored as"Volunteer of the Year 2005" for Habitat for Humanity Newark and the recipient of the "Advancing the Status of Women" award from the Soroptimist International of Suburban Essex. The power of one is a joy to witness and be a part of. The human spirit is truly abundant when encouraged.For more information on Women Build, Newark please visithttp://www.habitatnewark.org/women_build.htm
Airport Parking: Save Money and Donate to Habitat Newark
Now you can save money on parking at the Newark International Airport and also donate to Habitat Newark!
http://habitatnewark.org/docs/EWR-nhh_%20charity_e_coup08-09.pdf
http://habitatnewark.org/docs/EWR-nhh_%20charity_e_coup08-09.pdf
Jim Corbett- New Project Manager
James M. Corbett, a practicing attorney and former executive for some of the largest real estate
development companies in the country, has joined Habitat for Humanity Newark (HFHN) as Project Manager, officials from the organization announced today.
Corbett brings the experience of a 30-year career that includes senior positions with D.R. Horton, Inc., K. Hovnanian Enterprises and other prominent real estate developers and, more recently, his own legal practice, where he specialized in real estate and zoning law. Corbett will use his expertise to spearhead an expansion of the scope of building operations for Habitat Newark, which is looking to build more homes for families in a shorter time frame than they have in the past.
“We plan on putting Jim’s skills to good use,” said David Zurheide, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. “He has years of experience in creating affordable housing in New Jersey and he is eager to jump into the projects we have and to begin working on new ones.”
Areas of Corbett’s expertise that will help Habitat Newark to move projects from the fundraising and design phases through to completion include land acquisition, zoning law, government approvals, financial planning and the design and construction of residential developments that include affordable housing components.
“For nearly 30 years I was involved in getting approvals for large-scale communities that contained a substantial number of affordable housing units for the firemen, teachers and blue-collar workers that every municipality needs to be a complete community,” Corbett said. “I’ve seen the difference that affordable housing makes in these people’s lives and how it improves a neighborhood.”
Corbett sees it as the culmination of his career to be able to focus exclusively on affordable housing as Project Manager for Habitat Newark. “It has become a passion of mine,” he said. “I like to be in an environment conducive to working hard and accomplishing something tangible. We plan to buy properties, get approvals and build the appropriate houses for those lots.”
development companies in the country, has joined Habitat for Humanity Newark (HFHN) as Project Manager, officials from the organization announced today.
Corbett brings the experience of a 30-year career that includes senior positions with D.R. Horton, Inc., K. Hovnanian Enterprises and other prominent real estate developers and, more recently, his own legal practice, where he specialized in real estate and zoning law. Corbett will use his expertise to spearhead an expansion of the scope of building operations for Habitat Newark, which is looking to build more homes for families in a shorter time frame than they have in the past.
“We plan on putting Jim’s skills to good use,” said David Zurheide, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. “He has years of experience in creating affordable housing in New Jersey and he is eager to jump into the projects we have and to begin working on new ones.”
Areas of Corbett’s expertise that will help Habitat Newark to move projects from the fundraising and design phases through to completion include land acquisition, zoning law, government approvals, financial planning and the design and construction of residential developments that include affordable housing components.
“For nearly 30 years I was involved in getting approvals for large-scale communities that contained a substantial number of affordable housing units for the firemen, teachers and blue-collar workers that every municipality needs to be a complete community,” Corbett said. “I’ve seen the difference that affordable housing makes in these people’s lives and how it improves a neighborhood.”
Corbett sees it as the culmination of his career to be able to focus exclusively on affordable housing as Project Manager for Habitat Newark. “It has become a passion of mine,” he said. “I like to be in an environment conducive to working hard and accomplishing something tangible. We plan to buy properties, get approvals and build the appropriate houses for those lots.”
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Jean Bell, Habitat Employee of 18 Years, Retires
Two weeks ago, Jean, HFHN's office manager of 18 years, retired. She is looking forward to spending time with her grandson, Sincere, and getting involved with more organizations.
Here are some stories Jean has recollected:
"I can remember in 1991 when I came for my interview with the board, HFHN was brand new. I came to meet them in what today is the volunteer room. The rest of the building was just starting to be renovated and was still a disaster. They had to move a big board that was acting as a temporary door aside to let me in. You would not believe ho much the neighborhood has improved since then."
"When I started, there was no place for an office. I would go to the post office and pick up the mail, make sure the few checks we received were deposited (they tended to be small back then), paid the bills I could, checked the answering machine and then I would go home to do the rest of my work. Back then, everything was manual. We wrote checks by hand, did the payroll by hand, typewriters were manual and those answering machines were relics."
"One of the great things about this job is the ability to work with our volunteers. I have seen so many true acts of love and dedication to their fellow man that it is hard to remember them all. The work our volunteers accomplish is fantastic. I know many of our volunteers would do almost anything to help our partner families and others in need. It never ceases to amaze me what people will do to help each other."
On behalf of everyone at HFHN, we would like to say thank you, Jean for all that you have done for this organization!!
As Jean said three years ago, "the most important thing to me is the joy I feel when a partner family that I first screened for the program goes through all the hard work and finally owns their own home. You just can't beat that feeling."
Here are some stories Jean has recollected:
"I can remember in 1991 when I came for my interview with the board, HFHN was brand new. I came to meet them in what today is the volunteer room. The rest of the building was just starting to be renovated and was still a disaster. They had to move a big board that was acting as a temporary door aside to let me in. You would not believe ho much the neighborhood has improved since then."
"When I started, there was no place for an office. I would go to the post office and pick up the mail, make sure the few checks we received were deposited (they tended to be small back then), paid the bills I could, checked the answering machine and then I would go home to do the rest of my work. Back then, everything was manual. We wrote checks by hand, did the payroll by hand, typewriters were manual and those answering machines were relics."
"One of the great things about this job is the ability to work with our volunteers. I have seen so many true acts of love and dedication to their fellow man that it is hard to remember them all. The work our volunteers accomplish is fantastic. I know many of our volunteers would do almost anything to help our partner families and others in need. It never ceases to amaze me what people will do to help each other."
On behalf of everyone at HFHN, we would like to say thank you, Jean for all that you have done for this organization!!
As Jean said three years ago, "the most important thing to me is the joy I feel when a partner family that I first screened for the program goes through all the hard work and finally owns their own home. You just can't beat that feeling."
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Habitat Newark and the Newark Bears
Next week is the Newark Bears' Habitat for Humanity Week!
Nothing is better than spending a summer day at the ball park, except when spending a summer day at the ballpark benefits Habitat for Humanity Newark.
Please support affordable hosing in Newark by coming to Habitat for Humanity Week at the newly renovated Bears and Eagles Stadium in Newark from July 13-16.
The Newark Bears will donate half of their ticket sales toward building an affordable home for a family in need during Habitat for Humanity Week. Tickets are only $10 for regular and box seats.
Four great games will be played during Habitat for Humanity Week:
Monday, July 13, 7:05 pm vs. the Lancaster Barnstormers
Tuesday, July 14, 7:05 pm vs. the Somerset Patriots
Wednesday, July 15th, 7:05 pm vs. the Somerset Patriots
Thursday, July 16th, 11:05 am vs. the Somerset Patriots
Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium is located at 450 Broad Street in Newark. There will be ample adjacent parking available and the stadium is a short walk from NJ Transit trains and the Light Rail system.
For tickets, visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/newark-bears-tickets/artist/806944 or call 1-888-85-BEARS.
As always, thank you for your support! We are looking forward to seeing you at one (or more!) of the games!
Nothing is better than spending a summer day at the ball park, except when spending a summer day at the ballpark benefits Habitat for Humanity Newark.
Please support affordable hosing in Newark by coming to Habitat for Humanity Week at the newly renovated Bears and Eagles Stadium in Newark from July 13-16.
The Newark Bears will donate half of their ticket sales toward building an affordable home for a family in need during Habitat for Humanity Week. Tickets are only $10 for regular and box seats.
Four great games will be played during Habitat for Humanity Week:
Monday, July 13, 7:05 pm vs. the Lancaster Barnstormers
Tuesday, July 14, 7:05 pm vs. the Somerset Patriots
Wednesday, July 15th, 7:05 pm vs. the Somerset Patriots
Thursday, July 16th, 11:05 am vs. the Somerset Patriots
Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium is located at 450 Broad Street in Newark. There will be ample adjacent parking available and the stadium is a short walk from NJ Transit trains and the Light Rail system.
For tickets, visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/newark-bears-tickets/artist/806944 or call 1-888-85-BEARS.
As always, thank you for your support! We are looking forward to seeing you at one (or more!) of the games!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Green Building
Habitat Newark takes the environment seriously. As a result, we build to LEED standards (http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19) and all of our homes are Energy Star certified.
Some of the ways in which we build green are:
Some of the ways in which we build green are:
- Low-e windows
- Building in high density areas
- Building homes that are smaller than the national average
- Use of local and recycled materials
- Advanced framing techniques (this means that we are able to use less wood and more insulation which keeps the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer)
- Third party testing of the outdoor air flow rate into the home and of exhaust air flow rate out of the home.
Welcome!
Welcome to Habitat for Humanity Newark's new blog!
Habitat for Humanity Newark was founded in 1986, ten years after Habitat International was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller. Habitat Newark serves Newark and the greater Essex County. So far, all of our 68 homes have been built in Newark though we plan to begin construction in West Orange in the near future.
Habitat Newark depends on donations, volunteer labor, and the work of our family partners. Volunteers perform nearly all of the construction, from framing to siding. Our family partners must contribute at least 400 hours of their time on site, both working on their own homes and the houses of their neighbors.
We invite you to get involved with Habitat! For volunteer instructions, please visit our website: www.habitatnewark.org.
Habitat for Humanity Newark was founded in 1986, ten years after Habitat International was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller. Habitat Newark serves Newark and the greater Essex County. So far, all of our 68 homes have been built in Newark though we plan to begin construction in West Orange in the near future.
Habitat Newark depends on donations, volunteer labor, and the work of our family partners. Volunteers perform nearly all of the construction, from framing to siding. Our family partners must contribute at least 400 hours of their time on site, both working on their own homes and the houses of their neighbors.
We invite you to get involved with Habitat! For volunteer instructions, please visit our website: www.habitatnewark.org.
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