As part of their mission to strengthen communities by providing quality, affordable homes for deserving families in Suffolk County, the Town of Southampton Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk are working jointly to build five houses in Riverside in the Town of Southampton. They held the first demolition at an abandoned, unsafe home located at 73 Old Quogue Road and an adjoining lot at 69 Old Quogue Road.
“We are very pleased to partner with the Town of Southampton Housing Authority in this important effort in the beautiful hamlet of Riverside,” said Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk Chief Executive OfficerLee Silberman. “Especially during these challenging times, when many of the homes on Long Island have become unaffordable, we are grateful to be able to give this opportunity to five families who are looking to attain homeownership in Suffolk County.”
Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk is currently vetting potential families who will qualify to live in these homes. Through the organization’s Homeownership Program, the future homeowners will fulfill 300 hours of “sweat equity,” helping to build their future home and homes for others in the program. In addition, they must go through financial preparation classes and volunteer for community service.
The home at 73 Old Quogue Road is being sponsored by multi-state lumber and building materials dealer, Riverhead Building Supply, a longtime sponsor and supporter of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk.
“Our relationship with Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk spans several decades,” said Riverhead Building Supply Vice President Tracy Kappenberg. “We are proud to continue our long-time support of the mission of Habitat for Humanity, especially on a project in our own backyard.”
Those in attendance at the ceremony included Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk CEO Lee Silberman, Town of Southampton Housing Authority Commissioner Barbara M. Fair, Town of Southampton Housing Authority Executive Director Curtis Highsmith, Riverhead Building Supply Vice Presidents Tracy Kappenberg and Greg Goodale, Legislative Aide for the Office of Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. Thalia Olaya, Suffolk County Division of Real Property Acquisition & Management Department of Economic Development and Planning Director of Real Estate Sidney B. Joyne, Southampton Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni, and Habitat Suffolk Board Members Jeffrey Kuhr and Jim Barry.
“The Southampton Housing Authority is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk,” said Mr. Highsmith. “I have a personal connection to this project as my grandfather and grandmother lived near this location and my parents grew up and met in this area. This project will be a great opportunity to enhance this wonderful community.”
A ceremonial wall raising of the two homes is planned for 2022.
