The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is experiencing a housing deficit of 99,000 units of housing - so we must create more homeownership opportunities for local families. Families in need of affordable housing live everywhere: small towns and villages to sprawling cities. While most of us have the great fortune to live in safe, decent and stable housing, for thousands here in Massachusetts, the instability of housing and the dream of home ownership is just that – a dream. Housing instability touches nearly half of adults at some point in their lives and there is a direct correlation between people's housing situation and health issues. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition: 2016 Out of Reach data study for Massachusetts, the average fair market rental for a three bedroom apartment is $1,945 a month. Therefore, the annual income needed to afford this apartment would be $77,800 ($6,483 monthly). Therefore, a household earning minimum wage would need to work 150 hours per week to afford a 3 bedroom fair market rental. We provide housing solutions for this population. Upwards of 50% of the population is paying more than 50% of their annual income on housing.

We work with local cities and towns to help the municipalities achieve at least the minimum 10% requirement for affordable housing. By building our homes at lower rates, it enables individuals and families to invest in their own communities through housing.

We currently have a staff of 12 (both full time and part time) to manage the volunteer, construction and mortgage programs.

• Success is measured in several ways. Completing the build on time and within budget, but ultimately providing occupancy to the families in need, is the most important measure of success. More than 90% of past partner families continue to live in their Habitat home. • Overall, increased self-sufficiency and economic independence for the partner family are additional criteria for success. Habitat remains in contact with its partner families to hear about their experience in the community and their feelings about home ownership. Feedback from partner families and evaluations from volunteers, business and community partners will allow us to measure the impact the home has on the family and the community. • In the long term, success is measured by the ability to continue to provide safe, decent housing for even more families. Every mortgage payment a family makes, goes to fund the construction of future homes. • We strive to strengthen our local community by bringing together local organizations, corporations, congregations, and individuals to help build our homes. We are truly about Neighbors Helping Neighbors. The project's success will also be measured by the number of volunteers from the community, and local community organizations participating in the project whether it is helping build the home or raising funds. Giving back starts at the local level.

To date, we have build 58 homes in 21 cities an towns here on the South Shore. This has directly benefit over 300 individuals locally! We currently have 10 homes in the permitting stage with an additional 4-5 on the horizon.