The Nassau and Suffolk chapters of Habitat for Humanity have merged to form Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, the non-profit organization announced on Tuesday.
Leaders of the affiliate to the national organization said the merge will expand services to provide more Long Islanders in need with affordable homes. Lee Silberman, former CEO and executive director of the Suffolk chapter, will keep his position for Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, while Myrnissa A. Stone-Sumair, former executive director of the Nassau chapter, will serve as the director of community development and special programs for Long Island.
“This merger has been a dream of mine since I joined the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk in the late 1990s,” Silberman said. “ Long Island is one region, one community, and it always made sense that there would be one Habitat for Humanity serving all of Long Island.”
The announcement comes about one month after Habitat Suffolk announced they’d received a large donation from billionaire philanthropist Mackenzie Scott, who donated $3.75 million, which will now benefit all of Long Island.
“Our pooled resources and combined expertise in creating affordable housing will result in a marked increase in the number of units available to families in need. Affordable housing plays a critical role in strong stable families and communities,” Stone-Sumair said. “Through our neighborhood revitalization work, we will tailor our efforts by partnering locally with residents and community leaders and organizations to best address real concerns and improve the lives of people who live in the neighborhood.”
For more information, visit habitatliny.org.
Related Story: Habitat For Humanity of Suffolk Makes Homeowning Dreams A Reality
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