The future home of the Tello family is at 108 Center St., Freehold Borough. The house was built through a partnership among Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County, the Colts Neck Reformed Church and St. Rose of Lima Church. FREEHOLD — The dream of home ownership will soon become a reality for Ines Tello.
Through Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County and in partnership with the Colts Neck Reformed Church, Colts Neck, and St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold, Tello will start a new chapter in her life as the owner of a home that has just been constructed at 108 Center St., Freehold Borough.
“One of my dreams has come true,” Tello said.
Her journey to homeownership has been long. Several years ago, on the advice of a friend, Tello applied for a home with Habitat, but was denied. She tried again and the second time around she was approved.
Tello has been living in a one-bedroom apartment with her sons, Jonathan, 27, and Joshua, 18, for 17 years.
Tello is a single mother who works nights at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, as a monitor technician. She is excited her sons, both of whom have health issues, will enjoy the comforts of a home.
“The kids will have a nice place with their own rooms,” she said.
Tello’s story resonated with Habitat’s Board of Trustees.
Tello, who was chosen from among 50 applicants, went through the approval process that included a family services committee review, a credit report and a home visit, according to Marianne Herring, a family support specialist at Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County.
“They look for ability to pay. Applicants must have income to pay a mortgage, taxes and homeowner’s insurance,” Herring said.
The mortgage on the home will have a 0 percent interest rate, according to Herring.
She said Tello is a “hard worker” who put 250 hours of “sweat equity” into the house between her and her sons, a contribution of work that Habitat requires of its home recipients.
Tello said she did painting and caulking on the 1,300-square-foot ranch house that has three bedrooms, one bathroom, an eatin kitchen, a living room and a dining room.
The dedication of the house will take place at 12:30 p.m. July 12 at 108 Center St. The event will include a tour of the house, speeches, a presentation of gifts to the Tello family and volunteer appreciation honors.
“July 12 is a chance to invite back all the volunteers who worked on the house,” Herring said.
The volunteers who took part in this “blitz build” — where in two weeks the house went from foundation to dry wall up and ready to paint — came primarily from the partnership between the Colts Neck Reformed Church and St. Rose of Lima Church.
“The church was looking for an opportunity for the congregation to serve,” said the Rev. Jeff Knol, associate minister of the Colts Neck Reformed Church.
He said the Rev. Scott Brown, senior pastor, “took the lead and contacted Habitat to provide volunteers.”
James Wishbow, a member of St. Rose of Lima Church whose wife, Brenda, has been a member of the Colts Neck Reformed Church for more than 20 years, suggested the partnership between the houses of worship.
Wishbow, who owns Wishbow Construction, served as the general contractor for the project. He said the project presented “a wonderful way to give people a start.”
Habitat provided the land for the house.
Together, the two churches raised about $75,000, Knol said.
“Our sincere thanks go to the Colts Neck Reformed Church and to Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County for seeking us out as co-builders. Down the road we hope they will indeed once again count us in,” said the Rev. James Conover of St. Rose of Lima parish.
Wishbow said the following area contractors worked on the project either free of charge or at a deeply discounted rate: Caro Electric; Halo Excavating; T&M Masonry; ITAK Heating and Cooling; Tim Cahill Siding; Fisher Drywall Construction; Designer Landscaping; Paul Horan Painting; Brothers That Do Gutters; Robbie’s Plumbing; Painters Union DC 711; and Ultimate Tree Service.
“I have to say it is simply incredible for only two churches to donate all the necessary funding and volunteers to build an entire house,” said Ray Gabler, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County.
Gabler said that Wishbow’s “thorough planning, attention to detail and extensive network of contacts in the building community” made the project a success.
The Tello family, Gabler said, is “most deserving.”
Tello said she now wants to “help out” with the two Habitat houses that will be built on the lots next door to her new home.
Herring said applications are now being accepted for a lot next door to 108 Center St. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 15. For more information, visit the Habitat website at www.habitatmonmouth.org