Above: Gottheimer at the ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the completion of the new home for local veteran Chris Illescas and his family.

WESTWOOD, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined with Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County to celebrate the completion of a brand-new home for a deserving veteran and his family. Through their Affordable Homeownership Opportunity For Veterans program, Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County offers 0% mortgages to deserving veterans. As a down payment, veterans are required to complete 400 hours of community service.

Last year, Gottheimer joined local volunteers in helping build the three-bedroom home. Gottheimer also helped Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County recognize “Women Build Week,” which brings together women from throughout local communities to volunteer.

“Thank you to Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County for the tireless hours you’ve worked to organize this project and make it a reality. All of your projects, like your Affordable Homeownership Opportunity For Veterans program, help show the world what unites us as opposed to what divides us,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Our brave service members and veterans have helped protect and take care of our nation, and it’s our duty to take care of them and to always have their backs. I’m honored to have been able to help lend a hand to build this new home, and to help celebrate the Illescas family moving in.”

Gottheimer was joined by Westwood Mayor Raymond Arroyo and Councilmembers Beth Dell, Anthony Greco, and Robert Bicocchi, Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County President Roxanne Camejo and Executive Director Teri Capparelli, and local community members celebrating the occasion.

Watch the ceremony here.

Below: Gottheimer thanking veteran Chris Illescas for his service.

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