Allstate Foundation, Allstate New Jersey and Coastal Habitat for Humanity Join Together to Help 40 Manasquan Residents Impacted By Superstorm Sandy

SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS, N.J., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal Habitat for Humanity announced today the launch of its "Good Hands®" repair, rebuild and restore Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative in Manasquan, thanks to a generous $125,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation.

"With sponsorship from The Allstate Foundation as well as volunteer energy from Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company agents and employees, Coastal Habitat's Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative teams will continue their long-term and strategic mission to help restore the Jersey Shore," said Maureen Mulligan, executive director, Coastal Habitat. "The Allstate Foundation's donation will help repair 10 primary homes and hopefully 40 resident's lives."

In April, Allstate New Jersey and Monmouth County Allstate New Jersey agents launched a new community initiative called the Allstate Safe & Secure Communities campaign to help rebuild, restore and protect the greater Monmouth County area. Lending a hand to Coastal Habitat for Humanity is a component of the new program.

The "Good Hands" Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative kicked off today with Allstate New Jersey agents and employees volunteering hands-on support to Coastal Habitat and two Manasquan homeowners.  After a ceremony in Stockton Lake Park, volunteers assisted with painting, landscaping, and sheetrocking, among other activities, in an area most severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy. Allstate New Jersey volunteers will continue to assist Coastal Habitat with the Manasquan initiative until its anticipated completion in July, when all 10 families are expected to have returned to their respective homes.

"As part of The Allstate Foundation and Allstate New Jersey's commitment to rebuild and strengthen local communities impacted by Sandy, we are partnering with Coastal Habitat for Humanity to help these families move forward with their lives and recover," said Rich Crist, president of Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company.

"Our home took three inches of water, requiring a near total destruction of the first floor," said Vincent Darago, Manasquan resident. "With the help of The Allstate Foundation, Allstate New Jersey and Coastal Habitat, we will finally have complete walls in every room again as well as a working kitchen and bathroom on the first floor.  Finally, we will be able to live in our house again!"

To help communities rebuild after Sandy, Allstate and The Allstate Foundation have donated more than $1.2 million to nonprofit organizations dedicated to Sandy recovery efforts.

About Coastal Habitat for Humanity:

Founded in 1994, Coastal Habitat (501c3) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.  Since its founding, Coastal Habitat has given a "hand up" to more than 100 families living in 18 cities on the Central Jersey Shore.  The organization's Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI) is dedicated to the long-term repair, rebuild and restore of the community post-Superstorm Sandy.  Proceeds from the ReStore resale store in Asbury Park, NJ (CoastalHabitat.com/ReStore) also support local NRI projects.  Habitat for Humanity is funded by tax-deductible donations and built on volunteer energy.  More info at www.CoastalHabitat.org.

About Allstate Foundation:

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

About Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company: 

Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company services more than 450,000 households throughout New Jersey. Widely known by its slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate^®," Allstate offers insurance products (auto, life and retirement) and services through Allstate New Jersey agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives. As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, and the corporation provided over $440,000 in 2012 to local nonprofit organizations across New Jersey.

SOURCE Coastal Habitat for Humanity