The Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity is currently seeking partnerships to secure low-cost land for their next home. A local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, BBAHFH mission is ‘building homes, communities, and hope’. BBAHFH was first established in 1996 and serves the nine communities of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, Wareham and Westport.
Explains Executive Director Christine Lacourse, “We are currently looking for land in our territory that is a suitable spot to build a house or duplex. Ideally, the land will be donated to BBAHFH by an individual, group or even a governmental entity. The Westport Housing Trust purchased a parcel of undeveloped land and sold it to Habitat for $1,000 for our most recent build. We can also build on city lots and rehab existing homes as well.”
Ideally, the lot meets local zoning requirements, has at least 7,000 to 10,000 square feet of area, and access to amenities such as water, sewer and utilities. If no sewer is available, the lot must be able to accommodate a private septic system and needs to have minimal constraints, such as wetlands, ledge, or contamination.
Since Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, land donations are tax deductible per IRS code. In addition to substantial tax deductions, donors can benefit from shedding unwanted taxable property and can feel good about helping families in need of housing that is affordable. Homes are built with volunteer labor and donations of land, money and materials, as well as a minimum of 300 sweat equity hours that the Habitat family invests into building their own home.
Recipients of a Habitat house must be able to demonstrate a true need for adequate shelter, have the ability to pay a low-interest mortgage, show proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence status and reside or work in the affiliate’s territory.
“One reason donors love our organization is because Habitat for Humanity provides a hand up, not a handout,” remarked Lacourse.
Owning a home has the potential to provide opportunities for success for families, especially for the next generation. By obtaining a home, the family has healthier surroundings and a greater sense of stability. Living in a home, children often make better grades and stay in school longer. Some further their education and grow in their careers because they have gained confidence due to the responsibility of owning a home. A new cycle begins, and it all starts with a home. Families with low-income need home ownership opportunities that are affordable to provide a healthy, stable environment for their family.
For more information on donating or volunteering, visit www.buzzardsbayhabitat.org, email Christine Lacourse at BuzzardsBayAreaHabitat@yahoo.com, or call (508) 758-4517.