Mission: Working with our many partners, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity builds strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership in Hampshire and Franklin Counties.
We are an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an ecumenical organization that envisions a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Results: Since 1989, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity has built decent, affordable homes with over 50 low income families in Hampshire and Franklin Counties. We build our homes with volunteer labor and donations of material, supplies, land, and services. At the onset of homebuilding, a family is selected and enters into a long term partnership with Pioneer Valley Habitat. Future homeowners contribute 250 hours of labor during the construction of their home alongside volunteers from the community. Upon completion, the home is sold to the family with an affordable mortgage. Habitat is a hand-up, not a hand-out: the organization has a perpetual legacy in that all mortgage funds received are reinvested to build more homes. We are a housing organization helping to bring stability to families, bringing more stability into our neighborhoods and communities.
Beyond the homeowners partnering with Habitat, thousands of community donors and volunteers are impacted by and have participated in the work of our local Habitat. Our construction volunteers receive on-site training ranging from basic building skills to high performance construction techniques. Volunteers are the heart, soul and muscle behind Habitat’s work. As they walk away from the construction sites, volunteers tell us that their lives have been transformed by helping build a Habitat home.
Programs: Provide adequate housing to low-income families who otherwise could not afford housing.
I started volunteering for Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity after moving to Northampton, MA from the Seattle area. I love learning about construction methods, net zero design issues and believe that available affordable housing keeps our communities vibrant and strong. This group has allowed me to volunteer at my speed, learn how to use construction equipment without feeling patronized and introduced me to a diverse group of people who have fun constructing homes that make a big difference in the lives of the adults and children of the partner families. I highly recommend coming to an orientation and finding your place to give and to get!
I have had a great experience being involved with Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity. They do great things to make home-ownership possible throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties. They are a great group to work with and I couldn't be more grateful for this local organization.