NFL, Habitat for Humanity Team up to Aid Ironbound Grandmother

Elizabeth Castillo is no stranger to life’s challenges. The Newark woman is raising her two young special-needs grandchildren alone. And finding affordable housing for her family, as it is for so many other Newarkers, had been a struggle.

But Castillo -- known as “Yaya” to her friends and close family -- has gotten quite a bit of help, including from the head of the National Football League.

A volunteer with the Ironbound Community Corp., Castillo took possession Monday of a Lafayette Street house, thanks to the assistance of Habitat for Humanity.

Castillo knew she would be signing the ownership papers on the property -- a previously foreclosed and abandoned home -- Monday morning. But when she arrived at the cozy two-story house, she was in for quite a surprise.

Former NFL running back Warrick Dunn presented Castillo with a check for $5,000 from Warrick Dunn Charities, the nonprofit he founded to help families in need, especially families headed up by single caregivers.

Castillo, who was overcome with emotion as she and her two autistic grandchildren strode past a crush of media, was in for another surprise as well -- her new home was no empty shell, but instead was stocked with brand-new furniture and toys. Even the fridge and pantry were filled with groceries. 

“I’m surprised. I look a mess,” the outgoing grandma joked as she climbed the steps of her new home.

The furniture, courtesy of Aaron’s Furniture, was in addition to a donation made by the family of Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the National Football League, who joined Mayor Luis Quintana, Dunn and other dignitaries at a brief ceremony Monday.