The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation and the Community Foundation of New Jersey announced today a grant in the amount of $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Salem County to pilot a handyman revitalization program.
Habitat for Humanity of Salem County, established in 1982, is New Jersey’s oldest Habitat for Humanity International affiliate. Habitat builds and repairs homes within Salem County using volunteer labor, family partners and donations.
The Handyman Revitalization Program will work with poverty level, at-risk and underserved homeowners in Salem County to make needed repairs to their homes with the ultimate goal to provide healthier home environments. Habitat’s goal is to create a best practices approach and once successfully implemented, share strategies and training with Atlantic and Cumberland Counties.
“According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of infirmity. The Foundation recognizes that a healthy home environment is as essential as other areas of improving health,” stated Brenda Goins, executive director. “Habitat for Humanity of Salem County has a long history of serving needy families in our community and we are pleased to partner with them in this endeavor.”
“Countless numbers of residents have become subject to lower market value assessments making home improvements inaccessible as their properties do not qualifying for home improvement loans. Add this situation to homes of the elderly, poverty level, at-risk or underserved populations and the negative presumptions are many,” Sue Ann Leighty, executive director for Habitat stated. “The Handyman Revitalization Program will assist qualified residents with the needed repairs through our organization.”
To learn more about the Handyman Revitalization Program, contact Sue Ann Leighty at (856) 299-7995.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Brenda L. Goins
Executive Director
Salem Health & Wellness Foundation
(856) 299-4460