Women's Build Selects Missionaries of Charity Property

Thursday, April 3, 2014

By Richard Virgilio

The Missionaries of Charity property in Asbury Park has been selected as Coastal Habitat for Humanity's 8th Annual Women's Build project, scheduled for Saturday, May 10.

"We chose this congregation for our one-day build because we wanted to support people who give back to the community – help a group that help so many," said Barbara Macera, Women's Build committee chair.  "These religious sisters feed the community and take care of local children every day.  We will give the exterior of the property a ‘facelift' which we hope will help the mission as well as facilitate more neighborhood pride."

Coastal Habitat's Women's Build volunteers, with the support of Lowes Home Improvement and other local businesses, will spend eight to 10 hours at Ridge Avenue property, cleaning, landscaping, planting, painting and making critical repairs.

"Women's Build is a day for women to get together, empower each other and work as a team," said Macera.  "We have fun and at the end of the day, have made a long-lasting impact."

Missionaries of Charity was founded by Mother Teresa in 1950 with directive to "wholeheartedly help the poorest of the poor."  Today, more than 4,000 religious sisters – all have taken a vow of poverty - help people in 133 countries and live the most simple of lives.  The mission came to Asbury Park in 2000.

"These are senior ladies who focus all their energy on individuals and families in Asbury Park and Neptune that are looking for someone to show them unconditional love and support," continued Macera.  "Their property needs some help and we are glad to do it."

If you are interested in volunteering at the Women's Build on May 10 or one of Coastal Habitat's many local home repair sites this spring and summer, call 732.974.2422, or log on to CoastalHabitat.org/volunteer.  If you know of an area homeowner that needs help with repairs call Coastal Habitat.