"Through our partnership with Interfaith Neighbors, two more hardworking families have the chance to experience the joys of home ownership," said Kathleen T. Ellis, senior vice president of corporate affairs at NJNG. "We are happy to continue to support this program, which is strengthening neighborhoods like Neptune by providing affordable housing and affordable energy to deserving families."
“Without the home ownership program, I would not have been able to buy a house”
Living in close quarters with three children, Mrylande and Elie Provence never dreamed they could afford a home of their own when they sought advice from the pastor at their church on how to better provide for their family. Their pastor, Germain Mesidort, received help from Interfaith Neighbors this past January when the organization and NJNG dedicated a home to his family. Since then, the Mesidorts have been living in their own home in Asbury Park. Photovoltaic (PV) technology installed in their home also helps them save money on electric bills. This system turns sunlight into electricity, which powers their cooling system, lights and appliances.
"Without the home ownership program, I would not have been able to buy a house," said Pastor Mesidort. He referred the Provence family to Interfaith Neighbors and, today, the family's dreams of owning a home have become a reality.
Similarly, Michelle Bivens, a single mother of four, never imagined she could afford to own a house in her hometown of Neptune. She has worked for the Township for 14 years to help support her family. The family has struggled, living in harsh conditions, and after recovering from serious medical problems, Bivens was determined to provide a better life for her children. In their home on Stratford Avenue, all the children will finally have their own rooms.
"One of the true pleasures of my job is to witness the joy that overcomes each family when they receive the keys to their new home," said Joseph J. Marmora, executive director of Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. "The joint selfless effort of so many people makes this occasion possible. From the gift of land from the Township of Neptune, Bevin Irvin, our builder, and our dedicated staff to the generosity of New Jersey Natural Gas."
The Provence family will benefit from the use of PV technology, which will provide the family with more affordable energy. The solar panel system will produce approximately 2,400 kilowatts (kW) of electricity from the sun over the course of a year. This converts to a savings of up to 25 percent on the family's electricity bills. In addition, any surplus power generated can be sent back to their utility for credit on future electric bills.
Through a grant from New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, 70 percent of the cost of the PV system was covered. Authorized and overseen by the Board of Public Utilities, the Clean Energy Program helps customers lower energy costs and generate electricity using high-efficiency and renewable energy technologies. NJNG covered the remaining costs for the system and installation as a part of the company's long-standing commitment to the preservation of natural resources.
"The fruits of NJNG, Interfaith Neighbors, and New Jersey's Clean Energy Program's efforts are significant," said Commissioner Connie Hughes of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. "Today's dedication increases public knowledge and recognition of renewable energy, trust in solar energy devices which also translates to the importance of economic development, protection of our environment and strengthening our country's energy security. I congratulate the Provence and Bivens families on your devotion to your community and your new home."
The Bivens' home in Neptune is not equipped with PV technology because a large tree blocks sunlight that is needed to produce energy. This tree, however, provides enough shade to keep the home cooler and reduce energy consumption. The home's air conditioning unit will operate up to 10 percent more efficiently because of the shade.
The home ownership program began nine years ago when NJNG donated $25,000 in seed money toward the renovation of a home in Asbury Park. NJNG has provided subsequent contributions, and Interfaith Neighbors has procured additional funds as the program's administrator. The program aims to provide home ownership opportunities for working families who would otherwise be unable to afford a house. Including today's dedication, 14 affordable housing units have been offered to qualifying families in local communities.
New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400. NJNG is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, serving more than 459,000 customers in New Jersey's Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Morris counties. This service area's demographics and quality of life contribute greatly to NJNG's growth. NJNG's progress is a tribute to the dedicated employees who have shared their expertise and focus on quality through more than 50 years of serving customers and the community to make the company a leader in the competitive energy marketplace. For more information, visit NJNG's Web site at njliving.com.
The Provence Family
Myrlande and Elie Provence moved to the United States from Haiti on November 17, 1999, with their two eldest sons. It was a difficult decision to leave their homeland, but they were determined to provide a better quality of life for their family. At first they lived with a friend in Florida before deciding to move to New Jersey. They settled in Asbury Park where Myrlande took a job as a cashier at a local Shop Rite and Elie found work with Mazza & Son's construction company in Tinton Falls.
Doing their best to become established, Myrlande obtained a position as a nursing assistant at the Gateway Care Center in Eatontown, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working in the medical field. The job switch allowed Myrlande and Elie to move to a new apartment in Neptune. Although the move improved their living conditions, the new apartment was still very cramped. They dreamed of a bigger place where they could raise their three sons, Enrique, 5, Anderson, 9, and Andy, 11.
Since they needed a bigger place to live but had a very small income, Myrlande and Elie believed they would never be able to buy a home. As active members of their church, they turned to Pastor Germain Mesidort seeking solutions on how to better provide for their family. After that meeting, Pastor Mesidort referred them to Interfaith Neighbors.
The Provence's new residence at 2009 Stratford Avenue will give the family a huge backyard that is perfect for their favorite sports of football and basketball. Myrlande and Elie feel truly blessed to be new homeowners and plan to celebrate many happy years in their new home.
The Bivens Family
As a lifelong resident of Neptune, Michelle Bivens always dreamed of owning her own house in her hometown. Her commitment to community and hometown pride runs deep and is evident in her work as the township's assistant purchasing agent, a position which she has held for the past 14 years. Although things have not always been easy, Michelle has never given up on her dream.
About four years ago, the Bivens family fell on very hard times. Michelle spent two months in the Intensive Care Unit. After three major surgeries and two months of bed rest, Michelle was faced with the daunting challenge of learning to use her legs all over again. Her children, Jacari, Jerrell, MyAsia and Kayla, stayed strong and helped her through what would be the most difficult time for the family. Through their love, care, and a lot of physical therapy, Michelle got back on her feet and was determined to better her family's living conditions.
Despite having to share bedrooms, bathrooms, and almost everything else in their tiny townhouse, the Bivens exemplify the true meaning of family and have big plans for the future. This year, Jacari, 18, graduated high school and wants to attend a trade school for heating and air conditioning. Jerrell, 17, and Kayla, 11, both want to attend medical school, and MyAsia, 14, is looking forward to one day studying forensic science.
The Bivens' new home at 2007 Stratford Avenue is the home they have always wanted. With her dream now a reality, Michelle is looking forward to barbeques in the backyard and spending holidays with family in her very own home.
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