Cape’s Habitat for Humanity Expands Rapidly

COURT HOUSE – Just four years ago, Habitat for Humanity Cape May County was building one modular house every two years. They had no construction equipment and a volunteer base of less than 20 people. Today, they are building two houses a year from the ground up (called stick-building), have a fully equipped 16-foot tool trailer and over 300 construction volunteers.
“We are growing like crazy,” said Shawn Lockyear, full-time executive director of the local affiliate. “Our volunteers work side-by-side with the people who benefit in the end so it’s a great experience for everyone.”
Lockyear said the local Habitat affiliate has progressed from having to purchase lots to having an inventory of lots that will cover their house-building efforts for the next three years. They completed their 14th house in December, having built five since 2012.
“Over 50 local businesses have supported our construction efforts by contributing construction materials, supplies and professional services – from shingles, flooring and siding, to rough electrical and plumbing installations,” Lockyear added.
Stone Harbor Police Department is among the group of volunteers, according to Jennifer Gensemer, who manages Habitat’s volunteer programs.
“Stone Harbor is the first Cape May County police department to volunteer with us,” she said. “They have had quite an impact on our projects with their dedication to both protect and serve their community. We are grateful that they are leading the way for potentially more county police departments’ participation.”
According to Stone Harbor Police Capt. Thomas Schutta, he, his wife and three other members of the Police Department volunteered about 100 hours with Habitat so far. Their house-building skills vary, he said, “from a basic understanding, to a little knowledge.”
Schutta said Sgt. Christopher Palmer set up all the logistics with Habitat.
“We want people to see us as more than just traffic enforcement or enforcing laws,” he added, “and this is a good way to give back to the community.”
Kelly Schutta, the police captain’s wife, volunteered for the first time this fall. “My husband is a volunteer and I wanted to help out,” she said. “It’s a chance to give back to the community.”
With no experience at building houses or any of the related activities, Schutta said she worked under the guidance of a professional electrician and did some wiring at a house on Sumner Street in Whitesboro.
“You have to be ready to try anything,” she said, “and just get in there and do it. It was a great experience and I was thrilled with being able to help.”
Lockyear’s goal, she said, is for each volunteer to have such a good experience that they want to keep coming back. Volunteers are needed every Tuesday and Thursday, and at least two Saturdays each month.
“Our website has the calendar of what activities we are doing on which days, so you can see what is going on,” Lockyear said. “We take volunteers for a full day or a half day, or even an hour, and you don’t need any special skills other than being interested in learning. We provide donuts and coffee in the morning, lunch and water during the day.”
Depending on weather, the construction teams work year-round. Volunteers need to be 16 years of age to be on the work site, and 18 to operate power tools.
“We provide all the equipment and safety items,” she added. “Just wear clothes that can get dirty, and work boots or hard-soled shoes.”
Activities for younger volunteers are held on special days, which are also advertised on the Habitat’s website, Lockyear said. There are two trained construction supervisors on site, and a volunteer coordinator to help ensure volunteers have a good experience.
“The two supervisors are very capable and have a ton of patience,” said Bill Dudley, a Cape May resident who retired in 2013 after 40 years as a dentist in Vineland. “There is a safety briefing at the start of each day, and they are very clear that if you are uncomfortable using a tool or doing something, they will either show you how, or do it for you. As long as you are physically able to walk, there is something you can do.”
In the past year of volunteering, Dudley said he has done siding, concrete work, roofing and a variety of other jobs. “I even got up two stories on scaffolding. There is something for everyone, whether it’s polishing sinks or cabinets, raking or cleaning.”
Dudley said he enjoyed the volunteering effort so much that he was there almost every Tuesday and Thursday since he started in the spring.
“It’s very rewarding,” he said. “The people are friendly, and it’s fun doing the work. I like working with my hands and fixing things. I would putter around the house so this is a chance to meet people, learn something new and be of value.”
Volunteers come from all walks of life, and range from high school age to 80. “We get vacationers who volunteer at their home base, year-round residents and part-timers,” Lockyear said. She was a corporate marketing consultant before joining Habitat five years ago. “I wanted to give back to the community, and Habitat stole my heart.”
Cathy O’Connell volunteered at Habitat in Yonkers, N.Y., when she lived in New York State, and now volunteers for the Cape May affiliate since moving full-time to Middle Township six years ago.
“I enjoy the work,” she said, “and the people. It’s a good cause and keeps me busy.”
Retired after 36 years with Texaco, O’Connell said she had no house-building skills when she started with Habitat. She’s been a Habitat volunteer about seven years. “They really take you under their wing and teach you how to do things,” she said. “It’s a very worthwhile cause.”
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian housing ministry. “Habitat welcomes all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or any other difference to help build houses in partnership with people in need of safe, affordable shelter,” Lockyear explained. “Here in Cape May County, we select and support homeowners, organize volunteers, coordinate house building and repair, and raise donations of cash, goods and services.
“We’ve never had a foreclosure,” Lockyear noted. “Our recipients are hard-working people who know what it takes. They’ve put forth their own effort, so they understand what’s involved in keeping a house.”
In the past two years, Habitat Cape May has received significant endorsements of its work in the form of house sponsorships, ranging from $40,000 – $70,000 each. These sponsors include New Jersey Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Foundation, Thrivent Financial (two houses), and the Mustard Seed of Cape May County (three houses).
They also have the support of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, whose Affordable Housing Program is providing grant funding for four houses.
“Our Habitat affiliate plans to complete two homes during 2015,” Lockyear said. “I’m really excited about the future and want to see us continue to expand. It’s very gratifying to be able to give back to the community like this.”
To join a Habitat work crew, or lend a hand with family support, outreach, construction or fundraising, contact volunteer@habitatcapemaycounty.org, or visit www.habitatcapemay.org.
To contact Karen Knight, email kknight@cmcherald.com.