Our charity for the month of November is Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester. We asked Joseph Townsend, Director of Development, a few questions about the organizations and why donations to Habitat for Humanity will be so important this month. Check out what he had to say!
- Tell us a little about your organization.
Under the motto of “a hand up, not a handout,” we build houses with families rather than for them. Partner families must contribute 400 to 500 hours of sweat equity building their homes and learn skills to become successful homeowners. They also pay back an affordable mortgage, based on their income. For more information on the programs we offer including Home Builds, Veteran Build Initiative, Operation Playhouse, Home Repair, A Brush With Kindness, and our Worcester and Ashland ReStores please visit: www.habitatmwgw.org/programs/
- What’s the mission of the organization?
Our mission is to build homes, communities and hope for local families and veterans in 42 cities and towns throughout Greater Worcester and MetroWest.
- Why is the work you do so important?
At Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester we believe that through shelter, we empower. Our shared vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We have built homes throughout our service area in MetroWest and Greater Worcester, providing homeownership opportunities for 52 local families in need of safe, affordable housing.
Each family we partner with takes an active role in their success. Helping to build their home alongside volunteers, taking finance classes, learning about homeownership and becoming an active member of the community are a few of the ways we build homes with families, not for them.
Through affordable housing, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.
- How will donations from TQC help this month? What specific things will donations support?
The impact of COVID-19 will make it difficult for us to hit the revenue targets we usually anticipate from fundraising throughout the year. Fundraising events that local business host for us are critical to helping us further our mission to build homes, communities and hope for local families and veterans.
So many of the local families we help have been affected deeply by COVID-19. A loss in wages means they have limited funds to pay for food, which in turn impacts their own ability—and their children’s ability—to stay healthy. Many will have difficulty paying the rent or for transportation needed to go to a grocery store or to keep medical appointments.
- How can someone get involved with your organization?
To get involved please visit our website! www.habitatmwgw.org
- Why is Worcester and its community special to the organization?
Worcester and its unique neighborhoods are special to our organization. Worcester is one of the largest of the 42 cities and towns that make up our service area. We have built several local affordable homes in many different parts of Worcester to help local families who need a safe and affordable home. We currently have three townhomes under construction at 81 Harrison Street in Worcester, located in the Union Hill neighborhood of Worcester – very nearby The Queen’s Cup.
