Bid to Build - NOHFH

A note from Katie Polo, Class of 2021, Habitat for Humanity Executive Board member at Donovan Catholic HS:

From a young age volunteering has been a huge part of my life. So it was no coincidence that I had my heart set on becoming a member of the Habitat for Humanity chapter in my high school. Now, as I enter my senior year, I look back on all of the things we’ve accomplished and I can’t help but smile. From improving homes for members of our own community, to helping at the ReStore, and every auction and volunteer luncheon in between I can truly say that Habitat for Humanity has had a huge impact on my life; I expected nothing less. With that being said, the most unexpected component of being a part of this club was the amazing people I’ve had the privilege of meeting along the way. The passion of Mrs. Suzan Fichtner and the whole team behind her, including Mr. Bob Conway has opened my heart and showed me that I too, can make a difference. His love for helping others is truly remarkable and is one of the many reasons volunteering with Habitat has been so rewarding.
As we begin to reopen our world and step into a brand new one, we have come to realize that nothing will ever be the same. However, thanks to technology, we still have plenty of ways to share Habitat’s message! Although the Bid to Build Auction is now virtual, the proceeds will continue to benefit Northern Ocean Habitat and the construction of affordable housing in our community. This auction is one of the many outlets we, as volunteers, can participate in to help support the amazing work Habitat for Humanity does. No matter what we do to help people in need, being a part of Habitat for Humanity has taught me that the greatest gift I can give to others is my time.

A note from Olivia Lechner, Clas of 2022, Habitat for Humanity Executive Board member at Donovan Catholic HS:

Donovan Habitat has blessed me with so many different things. First of all, through this club, I have discovered a passion for helping others. It’s not necessarily that I never felt called to help others in any way I could, but rather, this club has opened my eyes to a need that I never realized was so great. To be able to know I contribute, even in a small way to changing lives is powerful, especially for those that have served our community and our country. Even more powerful is doing different events with our club and meeting the homeowners whose lives have been changed and seeing how grateful they are for all Habitat has done for them.
Our club enables me and so many others to make a difference, whether it be going out to job sites, volunteering at the Restore, or helping out with various fundraising events throughout the year. All of our club members have worked very hard on this online auction, from planning and creating baskets for what was supposed to be a Bingo night in March, to providing ideas for what is now an online auction. The funds from this auction will enable me, current club members, and future club members to continue to touch lives, but also to be touched knowing that we made and will continue to make a difference.

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity revitalizes neighborhoods, builds affordable and sustainable homes, and empowers families through successful homeownership. Northern Ocean Habitat is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global home building movement. Habitat welcomes people from all walks of life to partner in serving families in need and creating a better community for everyone who lives here.

Founded in 1999, Northern Ocean Habitat has been providing homeownership opportunities for hardworking families for 20 years. Northern Ocean Habitat serves the northern region of Ocean County, and has built 19 affordable homes and rehabbed 60 Sandy-impacted homes in partnership with local families. Collectively, Habitat for Humanity has built over 1,000,000 homes worldwide, averaging one home every seven minutes.

Habitat works with qualified, low-income families to help them realize the dream of owning their own home. We do this through a hand-up, not hand-out model in which homeowners help to build and then buy their home from Habitat.

Here’s how it works: after completing 300 sweat equity hours, families sign their affordable mortgages and make monthly payments that are based on no more than 30% of their monthly income. These payments go into the Revolving Fund for Humanity to pay it forward, helping to build more homes.

Additionally, Habitat offers home repair services to low-income homeowners, using the same affordable payment and sweat equity model. Northern Ocean Habitat has repaired over 225 homes for seniors, veterans, disabled peoples and those who cannot make repairs themselves since 2010.

Instead of being in a vulnerable and fragile economic position, Habitat partner families find themselves in a position of strength. Habitat homeowners are committed and successful. By providing a hand up, not a handout, our program prepares and empowers those we serve.