There’s no doubting how difficult the house buying process is, especially in a less than perfect economy. Luckily for families that need help purchasing a house, there is a non-profit organization called Habitat for Humanity, which gathers local residents and volunteers to help build a house for a family in need. For the first time ever, the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity will be building a house in Marion.
“We are very excited since this is the first opportunity we have had to build in Marion,” said Carol Dildine, Co-Chairperson of the Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee.
The Habitat for Humanity is currently accepting applications from families for the new house in Marion. The house will begin construction in October and will most likely be finished in May, according to Dildine. Applications for the house will be available at libraries and town halls in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.
“It’s a life-changing thing for the family,” said Dildine. “For the first time they have a house of their own with all-new construction.”
Will Saltonstall, a local architect form Marion, designed the house, keeping a focus on environmental friendliness. The house will be built on a plot of land on Route 6.
The family selected must meet a certain income percentage and also put in 300 hours of what Dildine calls “sweat equity.” The sweat equity could be anything from community service to homeowner courses. The family selected will not be required to put a down payment on the house and they will also have an interest-free mortgage. Even though Habitat for Humanity will be assisting the family financially, they will still be responsible for making their monthly payments on time.
“It’s not a hand out, it’s a hand up. It’s just giving someone that little extra help,” said Dildine.
All of the money that will be used to build the house has been raised by the Habitat for Humanity. Through a combination of harbor cruises, wine and beer tasting parties and an upcoming auction, they are well on their way to securing all the necessary funds.
In addition to a qualified family, Habitat for Humanity is also seeking volunteers to help build the house. Dildine says there is no experience necessary; just the desire to want to help out a good cause.
“It’s really wonderful to meet so many different people that get involved volunteering,” said Dildine. “It’s a pretty inspiring thing that an organization that doesn’t have to rely on anything but contributions from people can really make a difference in a family’s life.”
An informational session will be held on Thursday, August 30 at 6:00 pm at the Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion. Dildine encourages all interested families in attending. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, September 28. For more information, log on to www.buzzardsbayhabitat.org.
“It can really change a whole family’s life,” Dildine said.
By Katy Fitzpatrick
