Interfaith Neighbors getting things done in Asbury Park... February 2, 2008

Staff, volunteers key to nonprofit’s successes... February 2, 2008

A dream (home) come true for family of 7... January 25, 2008

A New West Side Story... August 20, 2007

A Neighborhood Investment... August 14, 2007

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A dream (home) come true for family of 7 - January 25, 2008
Posted by the Asbury Park Press

BY CAROL GORGA WILLIAMS
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU

LONG BRANCH — A family of seven achieved a "dream come true," according to household head Baptiste Pothier when he and his wife, Marlene, became first-time home buyers, thanks to an affordable housing partnership sponsored by Interfaith Neighbors Inc. and New Jersey Natural Gas.

After many years of living in a crowded two-bedroom apartment in Ocean Township, the beaming family unveiled their new two-story home, with four bedrooms, a garage, front porch and central air conditioning. It was built at 40 Norwood Ave. for $129,500, said Joseph J. Marmora, executive director of Interfaith Neighbors. The nonprofit group celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2008 and has built 17 affordable homes with New Jersey Natural Gas.

The 18th already is under construction in Asbury Park.

"It is unbelievable," said Baptiste Pothier Thursday as his new home became crowded with well-wishers.

"Never," he said when asked if he thought he would otherwise have been able to afford a home in a Shore community. "This is a dream come true for us."

After arriving from Haiti 15 years ago, Baptiste Pothier began working at Interfaith Neighbors in Asbury Park. Today he is head chef for the nonprofit organization's nutrition program. Marlene Pothier is a nursing assistant at John Montgomery Nursing Home in Freehold. Their five children range in age from 2 to 20.

"What makes this occasion so special is that it is our first new home in Long Branch," Marmora said in a prepared release and in remarks he repeated at the official function. "Our experience with the mayor, council and the planning board right through all the necessary steps to completion were both welcoming and encouraging."

Marmora said if the city is able to locate other suitable sites, Interfaith Neighbors would return for future projects.

Mayor Adam Schneider, downplayed the city's role in bringing the house to completion, saying, "What did the city really do?

"This is done by Interfaith Neighbors and New Jersey Resources," he said using the name of the parent company of New Jersey Natural Gas.

"What I really need to say is thank you. This is (solving) one of the most vexing problems in the state of New Jersey," Schneider said of affordable housing.

Rep. Frank J. Pallone Jr., D-N.J., a native of the city, said it was good to see the construction going on uptown.

"It is wonderful to see the old neighborhood continue to thrive and new people move in," Pallone said.

The Pothier family will benefit from the installation of solar photovoltaic technology, which will produce about 2,400 kilowatts of electricity over the course of a year, a savings of up to 25 percent or about $365 annually, according to New Jersey Natural Gas. Also, any surplus power generated can be sent back to the utility for credit on future electric bills.

A grant from the state's Clean Energy Program paid for 60 percent of the cost of the solar technology system; the gas company picked up the rest of the tab.

The home-ownership program began 12 years ago when NJNG donated $25,000 in seed money toward the renovation of a home in Asbury Park. The program seeks to provide home-ownership opportunities for working-poor families who would otherwise be unable to afford a home.

Laurence M. Downes, head of New Jersey Natural Gas, said he was moved by each home brought to fruition by the partnership.

"Every one of them is no less special," he said of the 17 homes.