Habitat of Greater Newark’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program has been busy in the community!
Founded locally in 2015 to identify community needs beyond housing, the Neighborhood Revitalization program has helped many families throughout Essex County.
In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, Habitat of Greater Newark partnered with The American Red Cross of New Jersey for a second time to assist with the organization’s Home Fire Campaign event. The group canvassed various neighborhoods in Newark with high numbers of home fires, passing out flyers on fire safety and installing free smoke alarms. To date, Habitat of Greater Newark and The American Red Cross of New Jersey have installed more than 192 smoke detectors in 55 Newark homes!
“Our growing relationship with The American Red Cross is invaluable because it benefits our communities so much,” said Diana Youssef, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator. “Home fires are so common, especially in the winter through the use of space heaters. We’re just glad we can help to prevent these fires from happening.”
Recently, Habitat of Greater Newark collaborated with Kingdom Builders Ministry in Newark’s West Ward for a back to school event. The day of service was created to commemorate the lives lost on September 11th.
Volunteers from Montclair State University distributed backpacks and school supplies to children in the Central and West Wards to prepare students for the upcoming school year.
“From preschool-aged kids to high school, students left with notebooks, calculators, backpacks, and supplies; but most importantly, they left with a smile!”
Habitat of Greater Newark also had the opportunity to participate in Newark Public Schools’ College Fair during its “College and Career Readiness” day.
Jeffery J. Farrell enlightened the crowd with a speech explaining how homeownership helps to create stability in families and helps students to thrive in school.
A shining example is the Barros family who was represented by Mrs. Barros at the event. Mrs. Barros, a longtime Habitat homeowner, will have four daughters graduate from Harvard University. Two daughters have already graduated, one is currently enrolled, and her youngest was just accepted.
“God has been very good to us. My faith has always been strong and I could not be any prouder of my daughters,” exclaimed Mrs. Barros. “Habitat of Greater Newark has increased our quality of life incredibly and we’ll be forever grateful.”