Habitat 111th Home Dedicated to Aleyakpo Family

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Risk takers.

“It’s the word Maureen Lashlee uses to describe the people who contribute to the special, uplifting Habitat for Humanity journeys.

“They do whatever it takes to transform a neighborhood,” said Lashlee, the chapter’s Interim Executive Director. “They take formerly at-risk neighborhoods and turn them into thriving areas, not just the block-houses in sections- but the businesses that surround them as well.”

Two more of those “risk takers,” along with their families and friends, celebrated yet another of those magical evolutions-the 111th for the Habitat of Greater Newburgh Chapter- on a beautiful, spring Saturday, as they received the keys to their 114 William Street, City of Newburgh home. Japheth and Victoria Aleyakpo, along with their three children, will soon be moving into one of several, brick exterior homes that line the Habitat section-neighborhood- of William Street. It’s a space that holds a deep symbolic meaning to the young couple.

“My husband’s Aunt, Cynthia James, is a 15 year Habitat Homeowner, who told him about Habitat, and we immediately became interested in the process,” reflected Victoria, as she pointed to James’ residence right around the corner. “He had lived in this area for a little while when we met and really liked it, so he wanted to return.” Victoria, who has her own, specialized cookie business, continued, “The community is the best part of being involved with Habitat; when you come to a new place, you have to start over, and everyone has been so supportive, making us into one, big family which is so special.”

This authentic Habitat “family,” was guided by Family Advocate, Rita Ponessa and sponsored by Tim McNeilly- who has been connected to Habitat for 20 years -along with his wife Jeryl. The former, who resides in New Jersey, made the trip to Saturday’s Dedication.
“My wife and I really wanted to make a sponsorship toward a house,” said McNeilly, who officially passed the keys to Japheth, a traditional, pivotal segment of each Home Dedication event. Japheth, all smiles, proudly waved the prized possession upward for all to view.

“We are so grateful; I grew up in a place where community plays a huge role,” affirmed Japheth. “My career choice- to go into architecture- is all about helping communities; after all, that’s what family does.”

Recognized as extremely hard and dedicated workers throughout the entire process, the Aleyakpo family was praised by all who knew and spoke of their impressive moral makeup and kind spirits. It all added up to a journey referred to as “surreal” by Janis Berg, Board President, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh.

“This day represents so, so much,” said Lashay as she turned to the Aleyakpo family. “It represents all the family has achieved- every brick moved, babysitter gotten, and it also shows you trust us; thank you for trusting us.”

Elder Michael Doherty, Gracepoint Gospel Fellowship, New City, NY, delivered the House Blessing as he alluded to the symbolic potency of the Dedication falling during the Easter-Passover season as well as providing prospective images of all the beautiful, future events-stories to be unraveled in this home.

Adding to the significance of the day was the representation of Assemblyman, Jonathan Jacobson, who presented the new home owners with an official Certification of Proclamation.

“Home ownership is magical, because it brings stability- to the homeowner because the homeowner knows they will have a place to come home to,” said Jacobson. “It also brings stability to a neighborhood because no one will take better care of their property than a homeowner.”

With all of that stability in place, Habitat Home ownership is a continually evolving journey.
“We think the story ends at the Passing of the Keys,” said Lashay. “It’s really only the very beginning of the story.”