Empty Cloud Mold Remediation Project

Want to help spread Buddhist teachings in New Jersey/Greater New York? Interested in having a place to practice meditation, go on retreats, and hear the dhamma? Want to give generously from your heart for a good cause?

Empty Cloud Monastery is a gender-inclusive, non-sectarian Buddhist Monastery that offers weekly dhamma teachings and meditation opportunities. The lay community is fundraising to help rebuild the monastery facilities so that monastics and laypeople can practice and deepen their contemplative practice without concern for their health and safety.

History and Scope:

The monastery building was bought in 2020 from a group of Augustinian monks who were living there since the 1960s. The property itself was originally built in 1933. As a result of the transience of existence, the building needs repair to avoid potential health hazards to practitioners. We are looking to raise $125,000 for the effort of fixing water leaks, remediating mold, fixing the roof, repainting the walls, and installing a new HVAC system. The current state of the facilities limits our ability to host monks who have health concerns. Fixing these issues will allow for monks and nuns to stay longer and spread their teachings to the New Jersey community. Your donation will help us continue to spread the dhamma and reduce suffering to all interested in the Buddhist teachings.

We are looking to make these fixes in three phases. The first phase is sealing the building to stop the incursion of water. The second phase involves removing mold build up and replacing damage that could be dangerous for people’s health. The last phase is installing HVAC machines to reduce the chance of further mold building up in the future. Below you can see a cost estimate for this work.

Full List of Repair Needs Below

Stage 1: Fixing Water Leaks: $50,000

Repairing and reinforcing the roof

Gutter Repairs

Fixing the foundation and basement stairwell

Removing and Replacing East and West Patio

Steeple Repair

Window Replacements

Stage 2: Mold Remediation and Safety Fixes: $30,000

Replacing the beams holding up the tearoom

Mold Remediation

Duct cleaning

Replacing the wood in the bathroom and attic

Ceiling and wall repairs

Changing bathroom exhaust fans

Stage 3: Sustainability: $45,000

HVAC system in Chapel

Fixes to current HVAC system

Fix Concrete Spalling