Views from the Porch March, 2025 News |
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New project in Ipswich A new, affordable duplex is slated for construction at 21 Leslie Road in Ipswich. The Ipswich Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) granted a special permit for the project on January 30, paving the way for Essex County Habitat for Humanity to construct the two-family home. |
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“I’m very pleased that this is going to be Habitat for Humanity affordable housing,” ZBA member Ben Fierro said. “It’s a real plus for the community.” Each unit is expected to sell for roughly $240,000, according to Meegan O’Neil, executive director of Essex County Habitat for Humanity. It will also be permanently deed-restricted, preserving its affordability in the long term. "This will give two families a unique opportunity: to purchase a home in Ipswich at an affordable starter price," O’Neil said. “There’s not a lot of chances to do that in Ipswich today, so I’m really excited that we’re going to be able to do this,” she said. The classic New England colonial-style duplex will be built on a 3.81-acre vacant parcel owned by the Ipswich Housing Authority. It will feature two three-bedroom units of 1,350 square feet each. To read more, click here. |
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Register for Women Build today! |
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| In honor of Mother’s Day, Spring 2025 Women Build dates are Tuesday, May 6 through Friday, May 9. Join us to raise funds to support families in need and a day of building, learning, and camaraderie in a collaborative and friendly atmosphere. Any woman who wants to add a new tool to their tool belt of construction skills is invited to participate at one of our active build sites in Hamilton or Haverhill. No experience is necessary and you will work under the guidance of construction professionals. You will make a lasting impact through this rewarding experience. Sponsorships are also available. Through Women Build, you have the opportunity to emerge as a leader on the vital issue of affordable housing and equity building in Essex County. |
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Salem High School CTE Partnership |
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To Salem High School’s carpentry, electrical and building and property maintenance scholars, it’s a monthly field trip they wish was daily. Partnering with the Essex County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, they’ve ventured to 434 Asbury Road in South Hamilton one Friday each month since September to help build a six-unit condominium complex. From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., they’ll lay hardwood flooring, build an exterior deck, and paint interiors and exteriors among many other tasks. |
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“They love it,” said Ken LeFrancois, a Career Technical Education educator at SHS and member of the Class of 1985. “And right now with the weather, they’re seeing what it’s like to be outside working eight and nine hours a day. It’s a tough industry to be in. It’s good for them to see that.” The site at 434 Asbury Road is a second classroom for SHS CTE students. They are helping construct six units of affordable housing, something desperately needed in Essex County. “It’s the best way for them to learn everything under the entire construction umbrella,” said Mr. LeFrancois. “(The students) like the two foremen, who are very knowledgeable. They ask us all the time when we’re going back.” To read more, click here. |
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| According to the state's Comprehensive Housing Plan for Massachusetts 2025 - 2029 the statewide supply of year-round housing needs to increase by at least 222,000 units from 2025 to 2035, equivalent to 7% of the existing homes. |
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This is the minimum number of additional homes needed to ensure that an absolute shortage of housing is not the main cause of high costs. Every region of the Commonwealth will need to add homes to meet this target, and some regions will need to add more than others. (Please note the area needing the largest increase is Merrimack Valley!) The anticipated need for additional year-round housing units in each region is a function of demographics, migration patterns, and current vacancy rates, among other factors. Click here to view entire report. |
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Thank you for your support |
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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. |
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We'd also like to recognize the following organization that offered its support: |
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| Thank you, to North Shore Bank, for their generous support as a Rafter Event Partner – their partnership is vital to accomplishing our mission. |
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Don't miss this year's golf tournament on Monday, May 19 at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton. This exciting day on the fairway also includes a box lunch and a cocktail awards reception. Singles, foursomes and sponsorships are available. |
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| Donate your vehicle “My Dad has owned this truck (Big G) since 2002, and it has lived a great life in Northern Maine. By day you would find it hauling snowmobile trailers or filled to the brim with brush from the neighbors or just driving the grandkids around in the extended cab. By night, it would settle into its heated garage. |
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Fast forward 20 years and the grandkids now drive Big G in a city without a covered garage...and the Southern Maine snow and salt is “yeeeuck.” Plus, the young whippersnappers just don’t know how to manage a vehicle that big. So, as the daughter of my Dad, it just kills me to not have the truck in our family anymore. But I am really thrilled it’s in great hands and has a new purpose with Habitat for Humanity’s car donation program. This is such a helpful path to help us through the transition from one amazing truck to its future. Endless thanks.” - Kellie C., Portland, Maine |
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, ReStore |
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647 Andover Street, Lawrence ecrestore.org | 978-686-3323 Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm |
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Thank you to our 2025 Event Partners: |
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Cornerstone Event Partner |
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