Dedication Pearl Place, Perth Amboy – Oct 15, 2025
Pearl Place, Perth Amboy
A Celebration of Partnership and Perseverance
Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity proudly celebrated the Dedication Ceremony of Pearl Place in Perth Amboy, marking the completion of two beautiful, energy-efficient homes for deserving local families.
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Liz DeCoursey, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity. The Perth Amboy Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors, followed by the National Anthem performed by Firefighter Javier Cruz.
Distinguished speakers included:
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, NJ 19th District
Douglas G. Dzema, Executive Director, P.A.R.T.N.E.R. & Housing Authority of the City of Perth Amboy
Chris Nasta, Old Bridge and Sayreville Rotary Club
Representatives from the City of Perth Amboy and Santander Bank
The program also featured an Invocation by Rev. Dr. Michael Wilkerson Leach of Cathedral International and heartfelt remarks from the new homeowner families, introduced by Loretta Rivers-White, Director of Family Services.
About the Families
The new homeowners were randomly selected from qualified applicants who attended a Program Information Meeting. Through GMM Habitat’s homeownership program, each family qualified for an affordable 30-year mortgage, ensuring their housing costs remain below 30% of their income.
Each homeowner will contribute at least 300 hours of sweat equity by volunteering on other Habitat homes, in the ReStore, or at community events. These homes come with a minimum 30-year deed restriction, guaranteeing that when resold, they remain affordable for another income-eligible family.
About the Property
The Pearl Place project features two wood-framed, 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes that blend seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood. Each home includes:
A private entrance, porch, single-car garage, and driveway
Handicapped-accessible and adaptable first floor
Central air conditioning and individual utility meters
Typical residential landscaping and available on-street parking
These homes meet multiple green certifications, including:
✅ ENERGY STAR Certified
✅ EPA Indoor Air Quality Plus Certified
✅ EPA WaterSense Certified
✅ DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Certified
Each home also includes smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, automatic sprinkler systems, and New Home Warranties—providing safety and long-term energy savings for the families.
Our Sponsors & Partners
This project was made possible through the generous support of:
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
City of Perth Amboy
P.A.R.T.N.E.R.
The Housing Authority of Perth Amboy
Provident Bank
Rotary Club of Old Bridge and Sayreville
Santander Bank
Professional Services Provided By:
Steven Gouin, Esq., Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C.
Asdrubal Franco, Domo Architecture
Eric Keller, Bowman Engineering
Glenn Brukardt, Eikon Planning & Design, LLC
Refreshments Provided By: Wegmans
Thank You to Our Volunteers
A heartfelt thank-you to the 435 volunteers who donated 3,263 hours to bring these homes to life—and to every civic, church, corporate, and school group who helped build, paint, and cheer along the way.
To our GMM Habitat Faithful & Core Crew – your tireless dedication continues to make dreams of homeownership a reality.
Photos Coming Soon
Stay tuned for photos capturing this joyful day of community, hope, and new beginnings in Perth Amboy.