MASTIC BEACH, NY - November 19, 2020 - Despite eight surgeries and years of rehabilitation, Louis Fata requires a wheelchair and other assistance as the result of a robbery assault in the 1990s that left him with 18 fused vertebrae. His chairlift and other necessary equipment consume a larger than normal amount of electricity.
Mr. Fata now anticipates a much more energy-efficient future. On November 9th, he was presented with a certificate from Bay Shore-based Hytech Solar Inc., in participation with Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk, that entitles him to a free residential solar photovoltaic rooftop installation. Mr. Fata was chosen from more than 56 eligible Habitat Suffolk homeowners who qualified for consideration because their monthly electricity bills exceed $100 and they have been financially affected in some way by the pandemic.
Valerie Whelan, Hytech Solar's president, made the presentation together with Lee Silberman, chief executive officer and executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk.
Selecting the recipient was difficult, said Ms. Whelan, "but we chose Louis because he relies heavily on electrical devices...to help with his mobility. I know how much electricity this equipment uses, and what he can save on his electric bills can be used toward food and other basic needs."
She added that partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk is "an excellent way to contribute to our community by doing what we do best - promoting cleaner and greener energy to preserve our environment and hold down energy costs. As a local, family-owned business, our interests and those of our community are the same."
Mr. Silberman said: "During these difficult times, it's great to see that companies like Hytech Solar have not lost their spirit of giving back to the community. We are so grateful for their generosity and support in helping our Habitat homeowner, Louis, have an even more affordable home this winter with the utility savings this solar system will provide."
Mr. Fata has been a member of the Habitat of Suffolk family for several years. His home, in Mastic Beach, was built by Habitat volunteers and sponsors, and acquired by Mr. Fata under terms of a partially subsidized first mortgage from a bank and a low-cost second mortgage from Habitat. He said that a home health aide helped him make contact with Habitat and that it opened a new chapter in his life.
"Becoming part of the Habitat family enabled me to become an integral part of society again, with a new house, in a new community, with lots of new friends and a new beginning," he said, adding that it has had an impact on his adult son: "It broke his heart to see me struggle with pain and life-changing transitions, but it also taught him the importance of social activism and the need to be more conscious of being of service to others."
As for the new solar energy system, he anticipates the monthly savings resulting from being off the grid for most of his energy needs will be of substantial help in making ends meet. "It's another blessing for which I am very grateful," he said.