To commemorate the start of the demolition and renovations on a foreclosure-purchased home for Valley Stream resident Nickesha Medley and her daughter, Shania, Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk hosted a “House Start Demo Day” on Tuesday, February 16 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at 610 Scherger Avenue. Ten students from Xavier High School used their vacation time to participate in the event, working side by side with the future homeowners, construction staff, and volunteers to begin the renovation. Rudy Sunderman, Suffolk County Legislator of the 3rd District was also in attendance and welcomed the Medleys to the community.
“We’re ready to start our new life together,” said Ms. Medley, who currently lives with her daughter in an attic apartment in Valley Stream. “I look forward to owning a safe and affordable home to spend more time with my daughter and to give her the stability to excel in school and further her education. We are overjoyed to be partnering with Habitat Suffolk.”
As part of Habitat Suffolk’s Home Ownership program, Ms. Medley will complete 300 hours of volunteer time building her future home and homes for other members. In addition, she will perform community service and learn about financial preparation and home maintenance. Ms. Medley says partnering with Habitat Suffolk and owning a home of her own will be her greatest accomplishment.
“This was a great event, and the start of another successful homeownership story” said Middle Island-based Habitat Suffolk CEO Lee Silberman. “Our mission is to strengthen communities by providing quality, affordable homes and we took another step in achieving that mission for the Medley family today.”
“We’re honored to partner with such a great organization,” said Dave Knapp of Island Outreach Foundation, a longstanding and generous partner of Habitat Suffolk and sponsor for the home. “We always love the opportunity to get students involved in these projects and show them the importance of this work.”