Mineola

HFHNC is now building in Mineola, performing a total renovation of the Clarkin family's home. Mary, Kathleen, William, Michael, Timothy, and Theresa Clarkin all are developmentally disabled adults. Their five other siblings are their guardians and caretakers. Yes, there are 12 siblings in all. As the Clarkin family home is owned by a trust, three of the siblings—Rosemary, James, and Deborah—also act as trustees.

The family home was left to the seven siblings when their parents passed away many years ago. When the home fell in disrepair, NYS stepped in, promising to pay for any needed repairs. However, this deal fell apart when NYS changed its mind after the seven were moved into a rental home for the duration of the repairs. Soon after, Charles Hammerman, Chairman and CEO of the Disability Opportunity Fund [DOF], heard of the Clarkin family’s situation and quickly stepped in. The DOF has agreed to help the Clarkins with fundraising and financing of the materials needed to fix up the house and buy appliances.

With great thanks to the Disability Opportunity Fund thedof.org*, Habitat for Humanity of Nassau County now will be able to provide seven members of the Clarkin Family of Mineola with a repaired and updated family home, one they were all raised in. And one in which they all will reside.

*The Disability Opportunity Fund is the first and only national 501(c)(3) organization and certified community development finance institution solely committed to increasing the amount of quality, affordable, and suitable housing for people with disabilities.

New Cassel

In July 2011 we will begin a second project in New Cassel, a section of Westbury. This will be the second time in our affiliate's history that two builds will be done concurrently...a real challenge! First comes the foundation and the construction of the sub-floor of the first floor.

HFHNC selected a family who has worked hard to get where they are today, overcoming adversity along the way. A single mother of four children will be moving into the home in late 2011 or early 2012. The mother is currently working full-time and just received a master's degree. She spent many years in college part-time while taking care of her children. Her eldest child is currently a senior in high school and is looking forward to attending college. The two middle children are currently in high school and continue to keep a high GPA. The family takes education seriously and understands how important it is to succeed in school. The youngest child is severely developmentally delayed which requires intensive round-the-clock care. Habitat for Humanity is proud to be able to accommodate her son's needs and create a house that is handicap accessible.

HFHNC cannot ask for a better family who deserves to have a home that they can call their own.