Expanding home repairs for income-qualified homeowners!
We're excited to announce that we've expanded our home repair services to two additional communities, helping even more income-qualified homeowners remain safe and secure in their homes.
In June, we began partnering with the City of Beverly to administer the Beverly Housing Rehabilitation Program. Funded through the city's Community Development Block Grant, this program has slightly different eligibility requirements than our traditional Critical Home Repair program, including an income limit of 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
We're also pleased to launch a new Critical Home Repair program in Newburyport, funded by the city's Affordable Housing Trust. This program serves homeowners with incomes up to 60% of Area Median Income.
By expanding into Beverly and Newburyport, we'll be able to help even more homeowners make critical repairs, stay safely in their homes, and extend the life of their homes for years to come.
Our Executive Director recently attended a legislative briefing at the State House where Massachusetts Habitat affiliates recommended several actions to help address the housing crisis:
Increase Administrative Capacity for Affordable Homeownership Programs
Requesting additional staffing for MassHousing’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program and EOHLC’s Local Initiative Program to reduce project delays.
Expand Commonwealth Builder Program Eligibility
Asking to allow smaller and scattered-site affordable homeownership projects (1-10 units) statewide to access Commonwealth Builder funding, which is currently limited to larger (10+ unit) projects in select urban areas.
Cap Utility Connection Fees for Nonprofit Affordable Homeownership
Proposing a cap on utility connection fees to address rising costs and project delays. These fees have increased significantly in recent years and can represent 10-15% of an entire project's cost.
Create a New Statewide Critical Home Repair Program
Requesting a new, broadly accessible program to fund critical home repairs for low-income homeowners, with flexible eligibility and program-based (not project-based) funding to address urgent health and safety needs.
By working together with lawmakers and partners across the state, we can help make affordable homeownership more attainable for families across the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your support
Many thanks to everyone who supported us on a build site or at the ReStore this past month. Below are just a few of those who did.
We'd also like to recognize the following organization that offered support:
We are very grateful to the Charlesbank Homes Foundation for their generous grant supporting the construction of our seven home development in Haverhill. Thank you for investing in affordable housing and the families who will soon call Washington Street home!
Tickets, Tables, Sponsorships, Ads available now!
Join us on September 24 for our premier fundraising event - the Building Dreams Gala. Festivities will begin at 6pm at the beautiful waterfront Danversport starting with cocktails, conversation and cuisine, followed by a moving program and exciting live auction.
Join us next Friday and Saturday for our big summer sale: Sun's Out, Sale's On!. You'll find up to 75% off everything* in the store!
The Habitat ReStore is located at 647 Andover Street in Lawrence, just off I93, Rte 114 and Rte 28 and is open from 10am - 5pm Tuesday through Saturday. Every purchase and donation supports our mission of bringing people together to build homes, community and hope.
*Discount not valid on Evolve or Recolor paint, Evolve paint accessories or LVP flooring and not combinable with any other offer or discount.
