Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and Malden Redevelopment Authority (MRA) Executive Director Deborah Burke stopped by the Habitat for Humanity build site recently to thank students and teachers from the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School who are volunteering 30 hours per week to help build affordable housing on Main Street in Malden.
The Carpentry Career Technical Program at the school will be working at the site until May. It is one of many community service projects performed by this school which serves students from 12 cities and towns including Malden.
“A sincere thanks to the school, its teachers and students for volunteering their time to bring new affordable housing to the city of Malden,” said Mayor Christenson. The project helps underscore the city’s ongoing efforts to meet the housing needs of all its residents. Habitat for Humanity purchased this former problem property from the Malden Redevelopment Authority in order to provide affordable housing opportunities via a lottery to income eligible persons. Located on Main Street across the street from Pine Banks Park, this property will become home to eight families. In addition to the two single family homes currently under construction, Habitat will be building a six-unit townhouse on the site. A Malden family and an Everett family were winners of the single-family homes lottery.
Habitat encourages volunteers to work on the site and Mayor Christenson noted that it was such a rewarding experience to be part of the effort. To date, the Mayor’s Office, several city of Malden employees as well as MRA staff have worked and volunteered at the build site.
James Kostaras, President and CEO at Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston, noted: “Malden is a great community and we’re looking for more opportunities to build in the City. We appreciate the support of Mayor Christenson and his staff and their commitment to affordable housing.”
Carla Scuzzarella, Principal/Deputy-Director of Northeast Vocational School, noted: “Northeast is extremely happy to participate in such a wonderful project. Not only are our students using their carpentry skills but they are giving back to one of our participating school communities in a meaningful way. We look forward to continuing to work with Habitat for Humanity on future projects.”
Persons interested in receiving notice when the application process begins for Phase Two of the Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston (Habitat) Main Street, Malden project (the six unit townhouse development) should contact Mary Gregory at marygregory@habitatboston.org. To qualify for the Habitat homeownership program, household income must be between 50% to 80% of area median income established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Further information is available on the Habitat website: www.habitatboston.org.
About Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston
Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston builds strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. We bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope by revitalizing neighborhoods, building sustainable and affordable housing solutions, and empowering families through successful homeownership. Since 1987, we have partnered with families with limited incomes and volunteers to build affordable homes and strengthen communities in the Greater Boston area. Habitat Greater Boston is a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation and an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. To learn more, please visit: www.habitatboston.org.