Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County, New Jersey is not only building homes for families in need, but has begun a pursuit to transform entire neighborhoods.
Laura Lella-Smith, director of operations for the Monmouth County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, said during the City Council’s May 24 Workshop meeting that a new initiative has begun to help entire neighborhoods in the historic beach resort town of Long Branch.
“Our latest initiative is right here in Long Branch — it is called the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative,” Lella-Smith said. “Our hope is to get the youth involved, get them out there on the street to help us not only build the homes, but also help with our neighborhood revitalization initiative.”
Part of the new initiative is the House That Youth Built program which features local students helping to plan, design and build homes.
Lella-Smith said the students learn basic construction techniques and assist with the design and planning of the homes.
Photo of Long Branch’s Church of the Presidents by Wikijazz via Wikimedia Commons.