Family's dream comes true with home in Freehold Borough

FREEHOLD - There were times when Shirley Ousley was not sure if she would ever move into her Habitat for Humanity home.

Since first applying to Habitat's program in October 2003, Ousley, a 44-year-old single mother, weathered several setbacks, making her dream of home ownership seem elusive.

But on June 14, Ousley and her family closed on the purchase of their new home and moved in the following Saturday.

"Once I saw the house number out front and the mailbox with my name on it, I knew my dream had finally come true. I'm so thankful to the Habitat volunteers who made this all possible," Ousley said.

According to a press release, Habitat for Humanity partner families are required to contribute a certain number of volunteer hours, called "sweat equity," as part of the program.

Ousley and her two sons, Eric and Tysan, worked at the construction site and in the Habitat store on Throckmorton Street, fulfilling that obligation before their home's construction had even begun.

The completion of Ousley's home marks the 24th house built by Western Monmouth Habitat for Humanity in the organization's 18 years of existence.

Western Monmouth Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing worldwide. Working families in need of simple, decent housing join with Habitat for Humanity to build their own homes through "sweat equity," and purchase their homes with a no-interest mortgage.

Information about volunteer opportunities and donations can be found at www.westmonhabitat.org or by calling (732) 308-3400 weekday mornings.