Low-income housing group eyes property in Lambertville
By: les Sdorow
LAMBERTVILLE – Habitat for Humanity, the charitable home-building organization made famous by former President Jimmy Carter, is coming to the city.
Pam Ely, executive director of Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, based in Bridgewater, appeared at the Aug. 10 City Council meeting to introduce the organization and explain its plans for Lambertville. Her organization serves Somerset and Hunterdon counties.
"She’s looking to purchase land and build low-income housing," said Mayor David Del Vecchio, introducing Ms. Ely.
Mr. Del Vecchio noted President Carter was active in building homes for Habitat.
"President Jimmy Carter is our most famous volunteer," Ms. Ely responded, "but people mistakenly believe he founded the organization. He’ll be working in New York City to renovate some row houses. And he helped eradicate all the substandard houses in Sumter County, Ga. We’d like to work in Lambertville and have community support. We’re a non-profit group and build extremely modest homes – about 1,000 square feet."
Ms. Ely then showed photographs of projects completed by Habitat.
"They have three bedrooms and one bathroom," she said. "We sell to families for what it costs us, typically about $60,000."
She stressed Habitat expects beneficiaries to contribute labor to building their houses.
"We keep costs down by having families contribute ‘sweat equity’ by requiring them to work 250 hours," Ms. Ely said. "Adult friends and family members can help work off the hours."
What makes the new homes especially affordable to the recipients is they only have to repay an interest-free mortgage. They also must pay all the other costs associated with ownership.
"They are responsible for paying property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and utilities," Ms. Ely said.
She said the houses are deed-restricted and only may be sold to another low-income family.
"Are they deed-restricted in perpetuity?" Mr. Del Vecchio asked.
"I think it’s for 30 years," Ms. Ely said, "but the deed doesn’t say it. So I really don’t know."
Ms. Ely stressed raising funds and cutting costs is a constant struggle for Habitat, observing, "The income we receive from mortgages is the only steady income we receive. We try to have sponsors, such as churches or organizations."
"What about community groups?" Mayor Del Vecchio asked.
"We’ve had Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts support us," recalled Ms. Ely. "We’re also a registered builder and hire subcontractors. We hope contractors will donate their services. We try to keep our expenses for purchasing properties and building the home to $90,000. What is exciting is that we’re almost 100 percent volunteer."
"What kind of work do you have for people with no construction skills?" asked Mr. Del Vecchio, noting not all people are handy with a saw and hammer.
"We do have non-construction jobs available," Ms. Ely assured him.
"What is your timetable?" asked Councilman Steve Stegman.
"At the earliest, next summer," said Ms. Ely, adding she has a property in mind no purchase has been closed.
Ms. Ely urged Lambertville residents and business owners to find out more about Habitat for Humanity and to consider donating money or services to building projects that benefit the town.
"We’re looking for support from the Lambertville community," she said. "We’re looking for help from contractors. And we want to hear from families who would be interested."
"This sounds very promising," Mr. Del Vecchio said.
Ms. Ely said the group would like to have a public meeting in October.
Ms. Ely invited interested families, contractors and volunteers to call her at the Habitat office at (908) 704-0016.
There will be a volunteer orientation meeting 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the United Reformed Church at 100 W. Main St. in Somerset.