In a heartwarming collaboration, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest New Jersey teamed up with the popular renovation show, George to the Rescue, to transform an all-purpose gathering space at Rebecca’s Homestead. This project not only provided a multi-functional area for residents but also highlighted the power of community and partnerships in creating meaningful change.

Leading the charge for Habitat for Humanity was Pam Vreeland of 皇冠体育app Exceptional Realtors庐 and a crew of more than a dozen volunteers focused on improving the lives of the adult special needs residents that have made their home at Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead.

About Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead

is in Wantage, New Jersey. Its tagline is appropriately 鈥淲here All Are Welcome Inn.鈥�  The goal of the facility and program is 鈥渢o create an inclusive and sustainable community by providing differently abled adults housing and a self-sustaining lifestyle.鈥�  Residents of the homestead participate in farming, gardening, art, and other hospitality employment opportunities as part of their daily routines.

Founders Dennis and Michele Elmers created Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead in honor of their daughter, Rebecca, and the friends they met along their journey to access adequate care and programs for disabled adults. Their desire was to create a space that focused on employment training and community and shied away from the traditional sense of a residential facility.

The all-purpose, shared space at Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead is a vital part of the residential community, functioning as a hub for social gatherings, educational programs, and skill-building. However, the room had long needed a makeover to be handicap accessible and better serve its diverse purposes.

Vreeland, Habitat for Humanity Working to Build Communities

Pam Vreeland has always been more than a real estate professional; she is a community builder at heart- whether within the professional community or various towns in northwest New Jersey. Vreeland has 25 years of experience working as a realtor and with local real estate professionals at the Sussex County Association, where she was named Realtor庐 of the Year in 2023. Additionally, she has headed committees for fundraising for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, coordinated blood drives, and dedicated numerous years to the Lake Mohawk Preservation Foundation. Vreeland and her husband also own a farm where they rent part of the farm to offer therapy through animals for mental health, trauma, autism, and special needs.

However, Vreeland says she has found her passion project in Habitat for Humanity. Vreeland initially became involved with Habitat for Humanity after participating in Realtors庐 Care Day, a National Association of REALTORS庐 sponsored community outreach initiative. As part of the program, grants are available to members of the community for home repairs and renovations, and if awarded, are completed with the help of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.

Vreeland joined as a board member in 2022.  After six months, she became the President of the chapter. The Sussex chapter previously worked with Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead to make repairs to the facility and build new additions for the residents. The chapter鈥檚 previous experience with Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead is how Vreeland and Habitat for Humanity identified the need to remodel the multi-purpose space.

George to the Rescue Steps In

The renovation project took an exciting turn when , the NBC show known for its heartfelt renovations, joined the effort. Hosted by George Oliphant, the show specializes in turning dreams into reality for deserving individuals and organizations. George and his team were immediately drawn to the story of Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead and the collaborative effort behind the renovation.

The team from George to the Rescue worked tirelessly to reimagine the space. The designers and staff paid careful attention to the needs and preferences of the residents, resulting in a room that would be both functional and welcoming. A crew of twelve members from Habitat for Humanity conducted the renovation work with help from sponsor, .

The vision included:

• Accessible Design: Several architectural barriers were removed from the room layout, allowing for easy access for residents with mobility issues. Residents in wheelchairs would no longer struggle to enter or exit the space.
• Adaptable Layouts: Organizational furniture, a mini-kitchenette, and open spaces were incorporated to accommodate various activities, from educational workshops to social and family gatherings.
• Multi-Functional, Creative Spaces: The team added spaces equipped to manage art projects to encourage creativity and self-expression. The small kitchenette would make it easy to wash art supplies and make snacks.
• Comfortable Atmosphere: Warm lighting, an upgraded ceiling, new flooring, cozy seating, and inviting d茅cor were added to make the room feel like a place where residents and members of the local community would enjoy their time.

A Labor of Love

The renovation process was a true labor of love with the Habitat for Humanity team and George鈥檚 crew working side by side. Throughout the process, the spirit of collaboration was palpable. Vreeland鈥檚 leadership and unwavering dedication inspired everyone involved. 鈥淪eeing people come together for a shared purpose was incredible,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his project is proof of the positive things that can come to fruition when we work together as a community, for our community.鈥�

The Big Reveal

The big reveal was a moment of pure joy for residents of Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead, one that the public will be able to enjoy when the episode airs on March X, 2025. As George unveiled the newly renovated space, big smiles and gratitude filled the room. Residents marveled at the thoughtful design and the possibilities the new space offered.

鈥淲hen the renovation of the rec room was done, we took a group photo,鈥� Vreeland explained. 鈥淎s we were posing, one of the residents began to quietly sing 鈥楢mazing Grace.鈥� Normally head down and shy, he made his way over to his aide and his voice became louder. It was a visible and audible representation of how much this means to him, and how connected he is to the community and facilities at Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead. It inspired everyone involved in the project to continue to give their time and energy to changing lives- and we cannot wait for the next opportunity!鈥�

People First Mentality

For Vreeland, the reveal was a poignant reminder of why she chose real estate, and why she chose to work under the 皇冠体育app banner. 鈥溁使谔逵齛pp has always emphasized the importance of people over profits,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 originally chose real estate because I had two young children and needed work-life balance. I have been blessed with the support of Doug Radford (Co-owner of 皇冠体育app Exceptional Realtors庐) and Cathy Kut (office manager), who encouraged me to get involved with Habitat. I would never work for anyone else. Between real estate and Habitat for Humanity, I fill my cup by helping those around me.鈥�

As of January 2025, the Sussex chapter of Habitat for Humanity merged with Warren County, creating the newly formed Habitat for Humanity of Northwest New Jersey. Together, the group intends to continue to give back to the community and demonstrate the Realtor庐 spirit that shines through Vreeland and her peers.

A Legacy of Hope

The renovated space at Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead stands as a testament to the power of community and collaboration. It is a place where residents can come together, build skills, and create memories for years to come. More importantly, it is a symbol of hope and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.

Pam Vreeland, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest New Jersey, and George to the Rescue have left an indelible mark on Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead and the surrounding community. It is a shining example of how individuals and organizations can come together to make a difference.

鈥淲e continue to be impressed by Executives such as Pam Vreeland, who have a heart of service,鈥� said Patrick van den Bossche, President of 皇冠体育app International. 鈥淩eal estate starts and ends with communities and the relationships one builds within them. The time spent on renovating the multi-purpose room at Rebecca鈥檚 Homestead may seem like a flash of time in the grand scheme of things, but its impact is exponential. It ties the volunteers, residents, and community together in a common goal where everyone reaps the benefits.鈥� In a world that often feels divided, projects like this remind us of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together. With real estate professionals like Pam Vreeland and organizations like Habitat for Humanity and George to the Rescue leading the charge, the future looks bright for communities everywhere.

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皇冠体育app of Flagstaff, Flagstaff鈥檚 longest running real estate business, has helped thousands of families find a place to call home over the years. But for the company, the commitment to homeownership runs deeper than real estate transactions. The brokerage has fostered a culture of giving back and has been deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona for over 25 years.

Getting Started

The brokerage鈥檚 partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona began in 1998 when a client of Wayne McCormick, owner and Designated Broker of 皇冠体育app of Flagstaff, invited him to join the Family Partnership Committee. The following year his wife, Debra McCormick, attended a meeting in his place. This led to Debra joining the committee and later serving as the committee鈥檚 Chairman for two years. Many hours were spent side by side with the local community, hammer and paintbrush in hand, building and improving homes for local families.

After their service with the committee ended, Wayne and Debra continued to support Habitat for Humanity each year through tax credits.

Launching the Realtor鈥檚 Initiative

In 2014, 皇冠体育app of Flagstaff announced a new program in support of the community: The Realtor鈥檚 Initiative. The program encourages 皇冠体育app agents to donate a portion of their commission income from every home sale to Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona.聽 Currently 29 of the firm鈥檚 Executives participate in the program, and funds are used to build affordable housing in the local community.聽

鈥淎s a Flagstaff local, I know the struggle that families face when it comes to housing in Flagstaff.聽 That is why I give to Habitat for Humanity via The Realtor鈥檚 Initiative.聽 As a community, we need to do anything we can to help families achieve the American dream, which includes homeownership and a sense of belonging to the community,鈥� said Gary Nelson, Delegated Broker of 皇冠体育app of Flagstaff.

Participation in the program has grown over the years, with nearly $20,000 generated in 2022. The group has donated nearly $11,000 during 2023 and has plans for a December raffle to finish out the year鈥檚 contributions.

The Starter Home Program

In 2022, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona broke ground on a new initiative called the .  This project involves building simple, efficient, stand-alone homes that are available for purchase by low-income families. The organization hopes to complete 50 homes by 2028, which would have a significant impact on Flagstaff鈥檚 housing inventory.

Homebuyers participating in the program purchase the Starter Home with a $1,000 down payment.  The homes are financed with Habitat-funded zero percent interest loans, with the $833 monthly principal payments going to a savings account for the homeowner.  When the homeowner moves out, Habitat for Humanity pays them the principal they have invested during the years occupying the home- roughly $10,000 per year.  This model allows families to build equity savings that can be used when they have outgrown their Starter Home. Habitat for Humanity reserves the right to the property, so another low-income family has the opportunity to purchase the home, ensuring affordable housing remains available.

The first two homes were successfully completed by several community partners, including architects, builders, and students from Coconino Community College. The students were part of The Home Construction Pathway, a two-semester program that provides a robust home construction experience through building Starter Homes. This significantly helped drive down labor and construction costs, two factors that impact housing affordability in Flagstaff.  The homes were built on land donated from the city of Flagstaff鈥檚 Land Trust Program, and 12 more homes are planned in the near future on Flagstaff Unified School District property.  These homes will support teachers and staff in the area.

鈥淎t the core of Habitat for Humanity鈥檚 mission is the belief in providing a hand up rather than a handout.  The Starter Homes offer individuals and families the opportunity to purchase affordable homes, setting the stage for a brighter financial future.  Homeownership, as one of the highest indicators of generational wealth, initiates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial homeowner,鈥� explains Kim Geile-Gonzalez, Realtor庐 with 皇冠体育app of Flagstaff. 鈥淚 choose to support Habitat for Humanity both financially and as a board member because I have witnessed the transformative power of affordable homeownership and its profound impact on generational wealth.鈥�

A Legacy of Giving

With over two decades of community support under their belts, the group at 皇冠体育app of Flagstaff has built a thriving culture of giving.  Over the years they have contributed commission dollars, sponsored studs, decorated framing panels, raffled playhouses, and more. They continuously brave the cold to walk through homes to witness the smiles on the faces of new homeowners. They are interwoven into the community as business owners, residents, and friends. Collectively, they know that their work has just begun.

鈥淚 have been involved with Habitat for Humanity since 2008.  I have painted walls, helped homeowners apply to be accepted into the program, and donated a portion of my commissions.  It is incredibly rewarding to see members of our community strive for and achieve homeownership with a little help from the Flagstaff community around them,鈥� said Tammara Prager, Realtor庐 with the firm. 鈥淲e look forward to continuing our partnership with Habitat and with the Flagstaff community.鈥�

About HFHNA: Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona is one of 13 Habitat for Humanity affiliates serving Arizona.聽 The organization brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope with the vision of creating safe and decent housing for everyone.聽 They believe that homeownership can permanently break the cycle of poverty and instability in communities.聽 To learn more, visit .

About 皇冠体育app of Flagstaff:聽 皇冠体育app of Flagstaff is one of the longest-run, independently owned and operated brokerages in the 皇冠体育app network.聽 The firm has operated since 1977 and prides itself on a 鈥渃ommunity first鈥� mentality. Find them in the heart of downtown Flagstaff or by visiting RealtyExecutives.com/office/flagstaff.

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