Randelle Monique and her family will soon move into their new home in Neptune.
By WILLIAM CLARK
Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity celebrated the completion of another single family home in Neptune last week.
The home was built over the course of a year with the help of 292 volunteers, Mike Rondholz said. In addition, 37 team builds made up of people from businesses and other organizations assisted in providing Randelle Monique and her family a home.
Rondholz and Heather Schulze, director of operations, spoke of the importance of these volunteers throughout the entire process. Rondholz said when new volunteers or members of teams are finished they routinely say the experience was exhilarating and life-changing.
On site, construction managers are there to instruct, oversee and help with tasks that volunteers take on throughout the day.
“It’s a great learning experience,” Rondholz said.
Rondholz said a team from Manasquan Bank assisted one day and a nail gun broke at one point. The bank then provided two new nail guns for future work.
Although homes do require work from subcontractors for aspects that require licensed professionals, volunteers are the true driving force of the progress.
Schulze said the new Neptune home is special as the process started during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when timelines for approvals, inspections and other checks were elongated.
“Getting to the end of this house was an even bigger accomplishment,” she said.
Although a full year may seem lengthy to complete a single family house, Habitat officials said the volunteer aspect is what really allows for Habitat for Humanity to really accomplish its mission. Rondholz said that the group of core volunteers, people that help one to three times a week, has increased in the 10 years he has been a part of the organization.
Rondholz also praises the volunteers for braving the cold in winter and the heat in the summer. As long as the weather allows, volunteers are there.
He said people who are on the cusp of retirement find the volunteer effort rewarding, allowing them to continue to utilize the skills they have built from their careers to help others.
The volunteers also have an impact on the neighbors. When people in nearby houses see the flurry of activity, they stop by and ask questions.
One house in Wall Township currently being worked on has neighbors who bring cookies and treats to the volunteers, Rondholz said.
Randelle Monique, who will move into the Neptune house soon, has also shown her gratitude to workers.
Schulze said that she routinely showed up to Team Builds and other times to thank people for their time and effort building a house for her and her two children. Monique and her family are current Neptune residents and Schulze is happy that she will be able to now call the house they have built for her a home.
For more information on how to support Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity call 732-898-4094.
