The Sherman’s new home on Shepard Street, New Haven.

Tonya Sherman and her family recieved the keys to their new home at 18 Shepard Street in New Haven Sunday afternoon, Sept. 14, as many well-wishers watched.

Madison Cares’ fourth build – a renovation located on 18 Shepard Street in New Haven – was dedicated on Sunday, Sept. 14. It is the home of Tonya Sherman and her three children, Sharell, Niyel and DJ.

Build Coordinators

• First Congregational Church – Sue Wenderoth
• St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church – Glenn Stewart
• New Haven Friends Society – Maureen Lopes
• North Madison Congregational Church – Les Higgins
• North Madison Congregational Church Youth Group – Lisa Fecke

Read the story in the New Haven Independent

A work in progress -
18 Shepard Street in June 2008.

Tonya Sherman and her children Sharell (14, right), DJ (10, left), and Niyel (1, not pictured) have waited several years to own a home of their own. “We’ve been renting, and paying someone else’s mortgage,” Tonya says. “Owning our home is an investment, which will provide greater stability for the family.”

Madison Cares volunteers Matt Zotto, Ryan Savoca and Jake Ryan helped Shepard Street, New Haven neighbors plant a garden in their community park. The three Madison teens were working on the Madison Cares build down the street and strolled over to lend neighbors a hand.

Madison Cares board members Kim Ryan, Elaine Romano and Tammy Stemen installed siding while John Leckerling (right) cut the boards.

Madison Cares members joined Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven to break ground on its fourth collaborative build Nov. 11,2007.

18 Shepard Street., New Haven – the site of Madison Cares’ fourth build, before work started.