BY EVONNE COUTROS
Members of Paterson’s Habitat for Humanity applauded three local pastors on Saturday for their role in starting the local affiliate 25 years ago — and for shaping it into one of the most successful in North Jersey.
"The challenge was to capture people’s vision and passion, and to really see how they can make a difference in serving others," the Rev. Dr. John A. Algera said about becoming a Habitat affiliate. Paterson Habitat has helped more than 200 low-income working families purchase and construct decent homes using volunteer labor and donor-financed Habitat mortgages.
Algera was honored at the Paterson Habitat’s Founder’s Day celebration with fellow Pastors Stanley Vander Klay and Don Sherow, who was unable to attend a service and luncheon on Saturday.
Paterson’s Habitat is worthy of the kudos, Vander Klay said.
"There aren’t many who have built more than 200 houses that I know of," he said. "We’re happy about that. We don’t do it for the recognition, we get blessed as much as anybody who comes to own a house. Habitat is a real partnership."
Vander Klay, Algera and Sherow were driving home from an urban ministries conference in Chicago in the fall of 1983 when they began to brainstorm about methods of building good, low-income housing in the city.
"We got back and we covenanted to meet together once a month for an hour for prayer, and just pray about that," Algera said. "The result was an initial meeting of more than 30 people and a start-up plan by about a dozen for Paterson Habitat for Humanity."
It was a win-win for homeowners, volunteers and donors.
"It wasn’t rental, it was ownership and the ownership piece is what really attracted us," said Algera, pastor of Madison Avenue Christian Reformed Church. "The key to Habitat is we do one thing, and we do it well. We build affordable housing for working families who cannot afford your traditional mortgage, who make too much for Section 8 housing."
Saturday’s celebration began with a worship service at the Northside Community Christian Reformed Church followed by a luncheon for the pastors. Vander Klay retired from Northside after 36 years and lives in Massachusetts, where he continues his ministries and Habitat work.
"It’s just a wonderful reconnection to be back here," Vander Klay said. The only difference between 1984 and 2009 is that Paterson’s Habitat for Humanity "has expanded." It’s something Vander Klay is pleased to see.
The affiliate has no shortage of volunteers, according to Cate Leonard, director of development.
But it is experiencing a ripple effect because of economic downturn.
"Our corporations are cutting back, and some are even cutting back their matching gift program, which we really depended on," Leonard said. "They’re going more toward volunteerism, which is a great benefit for us, but in some instances, where the money used to follow, it’s not following any longer."
Fund-raising strategy has shifted, she said, to holding informal house parties and presentations so people are more comfortable giving what they can.
E-mail: coutros@northjersey.comDON SMITH/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER