I suffered a life-threatening illness in 2020, being completely dependent on others, for even the most basic of needs. After major surgery that saved my life and while recuperating, I started to cook twice a week for 4-5 families, located in Sussex County, who were in financial need and did not have a stable or consistent housing situation.  I did this service for others based on my faith and to repay the Lord for giving me my life, as well as, to show people that God loves them. Since then, the number of individuals that are being fed twice a week has grown to about 80 people consisting of approximately 55 adults and 35 children, all of whom are experiencing housing issues. Many of these individuals employed on a full time or part time basis; but due to health issues, accidents or other family issues they have found themselves in difficult circumstances.

During the delivery of the food to these families, I saw firsthand that people who fought against all kinds of adversity, strive to keep their “family unit” intact. The challenges for these families and the obstacles they faced were tremendous. I knew I needed to do more.

I own a small contracting firm and along with my partner, Ken Lloyd. Ken and I, together with two very close friends Joe Aquilla and Tom McElroy recognized that affordable housing was a critical necessity for these families, if they wanted to move forward towards a better life for themselves and their families.  We researched development alternatives for affordable housing in the County and then began to formulate a plan to build and provide affordable housing to low-income families so they could start to move towards a better life for themselves and their children.

To this end we have built a prototype fully furnished “little living” home and we have laid out plans for a small community of 22 homes with four different floor plans and sizes to accommodate families, couples and seniors and singles. The community project includes play areas, a community center, gardens and open spaces.  The community would be almost self-contained with its own septic, water and solar farm to provide electricity. 

Early on in our planning and discussions with local government staff, it became apparent that we could not depend on government entities, other non-profits or traditional banking sources aid or to fund this project. The need for affordable housing for low- income families or individuals, whether they are employed, disabled or seniors living on limited fixed incomes. 

We then decided to form a 501(c)(3) non-profit to seek out like-minded individuals and companies, to raise the funds needed to make Little Living Communities a reality. 

George Meringolo, President