Overview of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, grassroots Christian ministry concerned with the shrinking supply of decent, affordable housing in Hampshire and Franklin counties. We seek to break the cycle of dependency by helping families move from inadequate or subsidized housing into tax-paying home ownership.

We are one of 1900 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International. Our all-volunteer board raises money, recruits volunteers and constructs inexpensive sturdy houses in partnership with low-income families. We help the families purchase the houses at cost and provide them with supportive services.

Habitat for Humanity International also has more than 100 sponsored projects in over 60 countries. One tenth of the funds raised by our Pioneer Valley affiliate is sent to build homes in Haiti, Ethiopia and Tanzania.

How Does Habitat Produce Inexpensive Housing?

Concerned citizens and municipalities donate or sell land to Habitat at less than market prices which allows Habitat to operate at zero profit.

Simple building designs are used and materials, machinery, tools, labor and services are donated. The partner family participates in planning and construction and works shoulder-to-shoulder with Habitat volunteers.

Upon completion, the house is sold to the family at cost. Our homes have sold for $42,000 - $65,000.

Deed restrictions require owner occupancy and prevent resale with windfall profits. A no-interest 15 to 25 year mortgage is provided, and mortgage payments are recycled to build of houses for more families.

How are partner families selected?

The Family Selection Committee chooses partner families on the basis of housing need, ability to repay the loan, and willingness to partner. We abide by all federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

Community Partners

We are fortunate to receive support from all types of people in the communities we serve. Individual donors and sponsors, local businesses and corporations, church and civic groups, tradespeople, town officials, and other professionals work together with our dedicated volunteers and Habitat partner families.

Our active construction projects: December 2006
October, 2002
April, 2003
Greenfield site - click on photos to enlarge in new browser window

You Can Make A Difference!

Get involved! The demand for Habitat homes grows as families struggle to compete for a shrinking supply of subsidized housing. They need our help more than ever, and your support will make a difference. Volunteer at a Habitat building site, attend a Women's Build Day, or serve on a committee. Make a contribution today and buy the next box of nails, kitchen cabinet, or front door for a local Habitat home. Visit our "Get Involved" and "Volunteering" web pages for more information. Visit our "Get Involved" and "Volunteering" web pages for more information.

Visit our donations page to make a secure on-line credit-card donation to Pioneer Valley Habitat through PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account. Alternately, to make a donation which is processed by the national Habitat office and forwarded to PVH, click on https://secure.habitat.org/giving/local.html. NOTE however that if this method is used, in order for your donation to go to our Pioneer Valley affiliate, you must designate it for "Pioneer Valley Habitat, Florence MA". If you do not do this, your donation will go to the national Habitat organization.

The Habitat for Humanity International web site contains more information on Habitat's history, mission, volunteer opportunities and contact information for other Habitat affiliates around the world.

How Can I Include Pioneer Valley Habitat In Planning My Estate?

Benjamin Franklin said that "in this world there is nothing certain but death and taxes." In your planning, however, you can both reduce taxes on your estate and continue to support the causes you favored in your lifetime. An attorney who specializes in estate planning can advise you on ways to include support for Pioneer Valley Habitat's housing ministry in your will.

How Do I Learn More About Pioneer Valley Habitat?

For information about becoming a Pioneer Valley Habitat donor, volunteer or partner family please contact us in any of the following ways:

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity
Florence Community Center
140 Pine Street
Florence, MA 01062
413-586-5430
info@pioneervalleyhabitat.org

Mailing Address:
PO Box 60642
Florence, MA 01062

An affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International
serving Hampshire and Franklin Counties in Massachusetts