Lowe’s Heroes Gives a Facelift to Harbor House’s Emergency Youth Shelter
Over 5,000 youth in crisis have found a safe haven at Ocean’s Harbor House since it opened its doors in 1988 at 2455 Windsor Avenue, Toms River. Its 12-bed emergency youth shelter has served homeless, abused, neglected, throwaway, and runaway youth between ages 10-19 years old, primarily from Ocean and Monmouth counties.
Through Lowe’s Heroes, a company-initiated community project, eight Lowe’s stores came to Ocean’s Harbor House this November to renovate the youth shelter. The Lowe’s stores were Brick, Toms River, Manchester, Eatontown, Holmdel, Howell, Manahawkin, and Little Egg Harbor. Sixty Lowe’s employee volunteers completed the project that included about $22,000 retail materials. Sherwin Williams, Oakhurst, also partnered in this project, donating paints for the rooms.
Heidi Hartmann, Director of Youth Services, said, “When Lowe’s took the time, energy, and love to gift our facility with such beautiful upgrades, it helps the kids see how important they are and helps them feel connected to the community. They are amazed that someone, let alone a massive group of volunteers from a major corporation care so much and want them to have the very best.”
When the project was completed, the youth shelter had a brand-new garden Zen area with pavers, a gazebo, and swings. This area is designed for the residents to take a break; have a counseling session; or just have some quiet, alone time. The outside area was completely transformed when the volunteers reconfigured the landscaping of the entire front yard, erected a flagpole, painted the outside of the building, and installed a new fiberglass front door and new gutters. Inside the shelter, the hallways were painted and the front bathroom was completely remodeled. A new washer, dryer, and utility sink were donated for the laundry room.
Visit http://www.oceansharborhouse.org/ways-to-help/donate-now/ to donate to Harbor House’s Annual Appeal that supports these programs for homeless youth or youth in crisis. For more information about Ocean’s Harbor House, visit www.oceansharborhouse.org or email/call Laura Wagner, Director of Communications, at marketing@oceansharborhouse.org or 732-929-0096 x 205.
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About Ocean’s Harbor House
Ocean’s Harbor House has been a resource for adolescents and young adults for over 30 years. Our mission is to provide a safe haven and caring environment for vulnerable youth to enable them to unlock their potential and learn skills that will empower them to build healthier lives, relationships, and futures. For learn more, go to www.oceansharborhouse.org or follow us @harborhousenj on Facebook, @oceansharborhouse on Instagram, and @njharborhouse on Twitter.
About Lowe’s in the Community
Lowe’s has supported the communities where its associates live and work for more than 70 years. As a Fortune® 50 home improvement company, Lowe’s is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community served, Lowe’s associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter.