On May 6th, Christa Tsechrintzis, Executive Director for the Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, the Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity has been providing safe, decent and affordable housing in the southern New Hampshire area since 1994. They are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that works to strengthen families and communities through affordable homeownership and critical home repair opportunities. The organization has branches in 50 states and 70 countries worldwide.
Their values focus on building partnerships, equity, stability, and legacy. Habitat for Humanity builds decent, simple and affordable houses for qualifying low to moderate income families who wouldn’t qualify for commercial mortgages. Successful applicants purchase their Habitat home with 0% interest mortgage provided by Nashua Habitat with monthly payments capped at 30% of the families’ monthly income. Each mortgage payment in turn funds future homes. The future homeowner volunteers 350 of sweat equity hours include building their home and other activities; also provides a small down payment; and attends financial budgeting classes. The organization currently holds 10 mortgages.
Their Critical Home Repair program provides home repairs to low to moderate income homeowners who are struggling to maintain their homes due to age, disability or family circumstances.
The program focuses on health, life and safety code issues. It allows them to partner with families to help them reclaim their homes with pride, dignity, and in safety without being disrupted by the uncertainty, trauma and expense of moving.
Much of their work is done through community and business partnerships. Volunteers in the crafts donate their time and in some instances product as well.
A home is currently being built for “Iris and her family” on Granite Street in Nashua. 85% of applicants have school age children. Visit www.nashuahabitat.org for more information.