Our speaker today was Joe Townsend, Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity – MetroWest & Greater Worcester. The mission for “Habitat” is to Build Homes, Communities and Hope.
Habitat affiliates exist in 70 countries and all 50 states. Each affiliate raises its own money determines its spending priorities….there are 16 affiliates in Massachusetts and “our” MetroWest Greater Worcester covers 42 cities and towns.
Joe noted that, if housing costs are greater than 30% of household income, that is NOT affordable housing and are termed “burdened? 35% of Massachusetts households fall in that category. The result is that there is less household money to be spent on food and health needs. People in unburdened housing are generally healthier.
