Habitat for Humanity-MetroWest/Greater Worcester (HFH-MWGW) is pleased to announce that the Town of Millbury has donated a land parcel to construct an affordable housing unit at 41 MacArthur Drive. The land was recently deeded to Habitat by the Millbury Housing Partnership in keeping with the town's long-term commitment to produce housing for low- to moderate-income residents. The Partnership has provided four affordable houses in the Millbury area. In the early 1990s, two affordable units were constructed as part of a multifamily development and were sold to low-income residents. In 2002, two more affordable homes were constructed and sold to low-income families.

According to Millbury Housing Partnership chair Harold Proodian, "We are pleased to collaborate with Habitat for Humanity, an organization known for its efforts in building decent places to live for families in need. I want to personally thank the members of the Partnership for their hard work in making this project a reality. In particular, I also want to recognize Town Planner Laurie Connors and Jim Fitzpatrick, a founding member of the Partnership, for inspiring us by their years of dedication to our mission."

The Millbury Habitat Local Project Committee (MHLPC) is being formed MHLPC will include subcommittees that focus on three areas: home construction, community outreach and fundraising. Anyone interested in volunteering for these committees should contact Deb Kuczka at 508-865-2050 or debkuczka@charter.net or Kristina Jackson at 508-865-4771 or kristinaj@verizon.net.

"Habitat is pleased to be working with the Town of Millbury on this project, and we are grateful for its cooperation and generosity," said Harriett Lebow, HFH-MWGW interim executive director. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical, Christian-based organization that provides simple, decent, affordable home ownership opportunities for low-income families living between 25-50% of the area's median income. The organization is pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. By empowering families in need with "a hand up, not a handout," Habitat sells the homes it builds or renovates to qualified and carefully selected low-income families on a no-profit basis with an interest-free mortgage. Those selected for the Habitat program work through a curriculum to prepare for successful home ownership and are mentored by volunteer family partners. Each Habitat family must contribute 400 to 500 sweat equity hours helping build its own home.

 Habitat has an open-door policy welcoming applicants, volunteers and supporters regardless of religious affiliation, race, nationality or other background. Information about applications will be available soon. Please click here to learn about becoming a Habitat homeowner, including the criteria as well as the application and family selection processes.