Views from the Porch - May 2026 E-newsletter - Essex County Habitat for Humanity

Views from the Porch

May 2026 News

New project in Gloucester

We are excited to share that our project at 47 Washington Street in Gloucester has been approved by the city. Additionally, the Gloucester Affordable Housing trust has recently awarded us $300,000 toward the purchase of the property.

The former school house, currently owned by Action, Inc. will be converted into three affordable homes: two one-bedroom units on the first floor and a four-bedroom unit on the second floor. All homes will be available for purchase at an affordable price to first-time home buyers earning up to 60% of Area Median Income ($82,320 for a 2-person household).

As of the 2020 census 42% of Gloucester residents were cost burdened - paying over 30% of income on housing. The need for this project is real.

We are currently continuing to raise the rest of the funds needed to acquire the project and anticipate that construction will begin this fall.

If you’re interested in learning more, following progress, or exploring ways to get involved, we would be glad to connect. Please reach out to Kevin Hudson at kevin@essexcountyhabitat.org or 978-681-8858.

I'd like to support families in need!

Welcome Wil!

Please join us in welcoming Wilmer Cruz, our new Director of Housing Programs. Wil will be overseeing homeowner-facing programs, including Critical Home Repair (CHR), Aging in Place, and New Homeownership. He comes to us from the Somerville Housing Authority with a deep understanding of how affordable housing can improve lives.

Ways to support Golf Fore Homes

Yes, we have sold out of spots for golfers, but you can still support Golf Fore Homes by becoming a sponsor! Available opportunities start at just $250. Promote your business and show your support of affordable homeownership.

And be sure to enter the raffle for a 3-night stay in this gorgeous cabin that sleeps 9 located in the heart of the White Mountains. Additional raffle prizes are a golf foursome at Tedesco County Club and 2-4 Red Sox tickets! Just click below to purchase your tickets now!

Sponsor Opportunities

Enter Raffle

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.

Schneider Electric

Cambridge Rindge & Latin Students

Essex North Shore Electrical Students

All volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity International Food Fair hosted by First Church Swampscott.

We'd also like to recognize the following organization that offered support:

Thank you to Cross Insurance, who is the Foundation Builder sponsor for this month's Women Build, as well as all the Women Build teams who have done an amazing job at raising money to support affordable homeownership and their fellow women future home buyers.

Cars For Homes

Here is a nice note from a recent donor to the Cars For Homes program:

Hi,

Here is a little about the car (1998 Volvo S70) I am donating to Habitat for Humanity:

This car has been an extension of my identity and my personhood for 13 years (2013-2026). You don't see many of them on the road. I bought it when I was 19 years old and it has been the only car I have ever owned. It has seen me through almost half of my life and nearly my entire adulthood; it has seen an incredible amount of life. It was an escape and a safe space in hard times and a comfort to me always. It held me through a bachelors and a masters degree, 2 significant breakups, 4 moves, a 3 month stretch where I was commuting 2 hours one way to work, many road trips around New England, endless beach trips, and so, so many laughs and moments of loud music with the windows rolled down with friends and lovers.

The thought of this beloved car rotting out in a junk yard or getting scraped with no purpose broke my heart, so it was the obvious choice to donate it to a good cause.

Thank you!

Jillian

If you'd like to learn more or start a quick and easy vehicle donation, click here.

Join us this Friday and Saturday for our annual Spring Clean Out Sale where you'll get up to 50% off storewide! The Habitat ReStore is located at 647 Andover Street in Lawrence, just of I93, Rte 114 and Rte 28 and is open from 10am - 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Shopping at the ReStore means you’re not only finding one-of-a-kind items at amazing prices, but also supporting a great cause! Every purchase helps fund affordable housing in our community.

*Discount not valid on Evolve or Recolor paint, Evolve paint accessories or LVP flooring and not combinable with any other offer or discount.