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Angel and Brenda Rivas, who are high school sweethearts and share two daughters together, spent their life savings on a lot in Manchester Township's Pine Lake Park in October 2017.
They broke ground in October 2022 and were planning on moving in come Fall 2023, according to a GoFundMe page for the family.
Fate cared little for their future, though, as on June 7, 2023, the family fell victim to a hate crime at the hands of Ron Carr, prosecutors in Ocean County said. The 34-year-old spray-painted swastikas on local homes and started the blaze that gutted the Rivas' home, resulting in a total loss.
"The home was perceived by the suspect to be owned by a family of Jewish faith, and as a result was targeted amidst a spree of hateful vandalism which took place the same evening," the Rivas family details on a GoFundMe campaign.
"In the wake of this tragedy, an opportunity has presented itself to show that communities are stronger together. Pine Lake Park will be a shining example of how love can overcome hate."
Angel and Brenda, who have been married for 11 years, aren't giving up on their dream home. Brenda launched a GoFundMe campaign for the house, and created a Facebook page to track progress.
As of Saturday, July 1, more than $7,000 had been raised on the campaign.
Among some things they need to get started are a masonry contractor, framing contractor, lumber, roofing contractor, painters, electricians, plumbers, garage doors, HVAC and more.
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