Habitat For Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester welcomes groups to build in Holliston
Habitat For Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester welcomes groups to build in Holliston
Habitat for Humanity MetroWest Greater Worcester (HFHMWGW) is pleased to announce that the first of two home builds on Chamberlain St. in Holliston is taking shape. The 3 bedroom, 1 ½ bath home will be built largely with the help of volunteer labor. “We are now welcoming corporations, organizations, faith based groups and individuals to help us build these two affordable homes for families in need” said Tim Firment, Executive Director of Habitat MW/GW. “It is exciting to watch the house take shape. The walls have gone up and soon the home will have a roof. This is what a group of committed individuals can accomplish in a short amount of time “ he added. The homeowner selection process is nearly complete and soon the Habitat MWGW will select the two families that will live in these homes. The lottery date is expected to be in early December.
Local companies that have helped sponsor the home include The Vesta Real Estate Group, Genzyme, Lista, Mathworks, Middlesex Savings Bank, Celebrate Holliston, Fairfield Inn and Suites, The Fondo Financial Group, St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus and the Haselton Gove Family Foundation.
The Holliston Housing Trust donated the two parcels of land and $100,000 toward the build. To date, the Holliston Local Project Committee (LPC) has raised an additional $150,000 in donations and gifts in kind. Several fundraisers have contributed to this effort including “Middlesex Murder” performed by the Washington St. Players which donated the proceeds from the event to the Holliston build. “In addition, many gifts in kind have been secured to make the home affordable for our soon to be chosen families” said Doug Schmidt, co-chair of the LPC. “And we are proud of the efforts of our local students who have worked hard to raise money for the homes. For example, the students at the Miller school, spearheaded by local teacher Sara Peterson, have contributed over $2500 through a variety of fundraisers. To see young people involved in such a significant way is truly amazing” said Todd Barber, LPC co-chair.
Ted Oxholm, the site supervisor was quick to credit local businesses for their philanthropic spirit. “The generosity of local businesses such as American Recycled Products, Colantonio Inc., CertainTeed, Ashland Lumber, Joseph T. Mark, Tresca Brothers, JB Sawmill, CIVILized Solutions, NorthEast Water Wells, Inc. and many others are making it possible to build this home affordably”
In addition to the funds already raised, the LPC is embarking on a peer to peer fundraising campaign to further engage the local community. The Holliston Housing Trust will match the monies raised dollar for dollar up to $50,000, through December 31st.
For further information about the two homes being built or Habitat for Humanity MW/GW, please contact Bonnie Biocchi at bonnie.biocchi@habitatmwgw.org.
About Habitat for Humanity-MetroWest/Greater Worcester
Habitat for Humanity-MetroWest/Greater Worcester is a non-profit organization that provides simple, decent, affordable home ownership opportunities for families in need living between 30-60% of the area’s median income. Our mission is to provide homes, community and hope. Homes are sold to qualified and carefully selected low-income families on a non-profit basis with an interest-free mortgage. Selected homeowners participate in comprehensive homebuyer education. In keeping with its motto of “a hand up, not a handout,” partner families must contribute 400 to 500 sweat-equity hours helping build their homes. For more information visit www.habitatmwgw.org.