UPPER TOWNSHIP – On Thursday, Habitat for Humanity Cape May will hold the groundbreaking for a new home in Upper Township. This will be the 20th home for Habitat in the county.
Members of the Board of Directors, Habitat’s Executive Director Sarah Matthews, Habitat partner family Chelsea Berkey, along with construction volunteers and community partners will participate in the groundbreaking ceremony and celebration.
Chelsea and her son Jack shared their thoughts about this major life change. “We get to buy a house,” Jack said. Chelsea confirmed, “Yes, that’s true! It’s a goal of ours that’s been out of reach for a while now and thanks to anyone who has donated, participated in events, volunteered time and helped Habitat for Humanity, our housing dreams get to come true.”
“The groundbreaking is the start of making a family’s dream of homeownership a reality, and this home will provide the Berkey family with the security and stability to thrive, not just survive,” Matthews explained.
“One in six households in New Jersey pay more than 50 percent of their income for housing,” she added. “When you are putting that much of your monthly income towards housing, you are forced to live paycheck to paycheck for other necessities like electric, heat, food, insurance, and more.”
Berkey applied for Habitat’s homeownership program in the winter of 2022 and was accepted this May. Homeowners are expected to complete 300 sweat equity hours towards building their home, completing homeowner education classes, save for their down payment, and pay an affordable mortgage once the home is complete.
According to Matthews, Habitat for Humanity is “so excited” to get the project going after some delays with supply chain logistics and securing subcontractors in a competitive and busy construction market. “Every time we start another home, it means more homes on the horizon and one less family in need.”