On Monday, October 31, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, with house sponsor PSEG LI, and build sponsor Ben Krupinski Builder, raised the walls on a new affordable home in East Hampton for Matt, a single father and U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his son, Jackson.
The home will be built, in approximately three weeks, in this year’s Veteran Blitz Build with veteran supporters from Team Rubicon and Southwire, Ben Krupinski Builder which is overseeing construction as the build sponsor with an array of local sub-contractors, and PSEG Long Island, the home sponsor.
Ray Harden of Ben Krupinski Builder, with fellow principal Stratton Schellinger, grew up in the area and are donating their company’s time and expertise to oversee the home’s construction.
“When I heard the new Habitat house would be for a local veteran, I said, ‘We’re in.’ We are proud of Matt’s service to our country and that he is an upstanding member of our community. Building this house means he can continue to afford to live and work in the Town of East Hampton, where he grew up, and to see his son grow up here too. We appreciate the hard work of all who are working with us and our working alongside the Habitat team to make this happen,” said Harden.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Habitat family,” said Matt, who for the past 12 years has worked for The East Hampton Star. “Raising my son alone has been challenging in a small, crowded apartment. To actually help build our own house will be such a solid foundation for us and partnering with Habitat and being chosen for a house is a life-changing event.”
The homeowner will fulfill 300 hours of sweat equity, helping to build his home and houses for other families in the program. In addition, they will go through financial preparation classes and volunteer for community service. Each homeowner will sign a 30-year mortgage with two percent interest, with Habitat for Humanity of Long Island holding a second mortgage.
“Partnering with Habitat Long Island will enable us to stay in the same community and put down roots,” said Matt. “I look forward to getting the dog my son has been wanting for so long. Since he is an only child, a puppy will allow him to have someone to care for and keep him company.”
Ben Krupinski Builder will build this home with help from H.B. Millwork, Ned Steven Gutter Cleaning, Palermo Paving, Quackenbush Cesspools, Window World, and other subcontractors in approximately three weeks.
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Lee Silberman said, “We are grateful to each sponsor, supporter and volunteer helping to make this new home a reality. The Veterans Blitz Build program – which lets us build unique partnerships with builders, sponsors, and volunteer groups – accelerates completion of new-build projects like this one. This will be our 236th home on Long Island – we hope to have the opportunity to partner with other veterans in the future.”