Home Sweet Habitat Home for Ruiz Family

WHITESBORO – The Ruiz Family of Rio Grande has a new address: 703 Reeves Street in a house built by 115 volunteers. On Sept. 15 under sunny skies, the family accepted keys to their home.
It was the first “stick-built” house built since 2005 by Cape May County Habitat for Humanity, New Jersey. Those volunteers, including the Ruiz Family, Yusxunet “Chino,“ Marielis and their son, Orlando, a sixth grader at Cape Christian Academy. Those laborers put in a total 3.065 hours, according to Shawn Lockyear, executive director of the local Habitat for Humanity.
Making it possible were the combined donated or reduced cost items from 43 local businesses, Lockyear said. Many who gathered to wish the Ruiz Family well were those who had sawed and hammered, installed or finished everything that went into the house.
Joanne Ireland presented a family Bible, a longstanding tradition during “habitations” of the organization.
Members of the local chapter of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc. presented the family with a framed, hand embroidered Habitat for Humanity symbol.
Clare O’Dea presented Orlando, on behalf of Delta Kappa, a teachers’ organization, a basket of gifts.
Firm believers in “sweat equity,” required of those who will own a Habitat home, the Ruiz Family was helping to built the house long before they knew it would be their own, Lockyear told the crowd. They have dedicated over 400 hours into the house, and worked side by side with other volunteers.
Middle Township Mayor Daniel Lockwood welcomed the new homeowners on behalf of the municipality. Alluding to a puppet show presented by the Puppet Club of Cape Christian Academy, he joked perhaps such a light-hearted show might well open municipal meetings.
Middle Township donated the lot on which the home was built, and intends to donate another 10 properties to Habitat for Humanity, said Lockyear. The organization plans to build three homes in 2013, she added.
First District legislators, Sen. Jeff Van Drew, Assemblymen Matthew Milam and Nelson Albano also welcomed the family and congratulated them on their new dwelling.
Marielis and Chino have been together for over 13 years. They were introduced to each other by friends. Marielis was from Lancaster, Pa. while Chino was from Puerto Rico. Marielis has been a Cape May County resident for over 20 years. Chino has lived here for over 14 years.
The family loves being outdoors and taking advantage of all sorts of outdoor activities throughout the county, according to the organization.
Orlando enjoys watching WWE. He also enjoys playing soccer and basketball. He is a member of the school’s Puppet Club, and took part in the short show at the dedication of his house. He is also learning to play piano.
He is treasurer of the Children at Church program at Primera Iglesia Hispana AG La Grand Comision.
Marielis works for Easter Seals when she is not volunteering. Chino works at Duffy’s on the Lake, Wildwood Crest, and is to soon become a certified chef.
Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program, according to a release. The Ruiz family, like all others who get a home through the organization, applied for it along with 65 other local families. They were selected based on their need, willingness to partner with Habitat, and their ability to pay the monthly mortgage, including property taxes and insurance.
Habitat homes are sold to partner families at less than market value, which is made possible by the generosity of donors and volunteers. There is also a zero-interest mortgage provided by Habitat Cape May.
“Our goal for the past two years has been to develop a volunteer driven construction program,” state Lockyear. “We are thrilled that over 100 volunteers have participated in building this house from the ground up, and we have three more stick-built houses planned for 2013, meaning lots of opportunities for new volunteers to get involved with Habitat.”
Those who wish to offer their services may do so at: www.habitatcapemaycounty.org.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing ministry that builds affordable houses in partnership with those in need of decent housing, the release stated. Habitat operated at the grassroots level, with affiliates in over 50 state and over 90 countries around the world. Visit habitat.org for more information.