Housing Authority Dedicates Five Units to Lynn Marcella

The yesterday dedicated five new units of afforable housing for families to Lynn Marcella.

Five families with connections to House Of Hope in Lowell will move into the new units, located at 4 James St. in North Chelmsford. Those families will continue to receive social services from both organizations to help them settle in and continue on a path of permanent homeownership.

David Hedison, executive director of the Chelmsford Housing Authority, said Marcella has been a mentor to him.

"She became a friend, a mentor and an example of what it means to care about other people," he said.

Marcella had a hand in overseeing special needs, family and veteran housing Chelmsford. She served as a volunteer on the Board of Directors of the Chelmsford Housing Authority for 15 years.

"She was the first one to show up and say listen, I'm happy to do it," he said. "To have someone always willing to go above and beyond is wonderful ... She has dedicated her life to making a difference. She was one of the first women of the Chelmsford Rotary and has served for three years as president of the Chelmsford Business Association. She's served as a Town Meeting rep and the Chelmsford Arts Society and the Chelmsford Parade Committee for years. I could go on and on about things she's done."

Marcella thanked Hedison for his hard work on the project.

"David (must be thanked) for everything he's done for elderly and family housing in town ... he has accomplished so much and I am so proud of him and everyone on this authority and everyone in this town for providing the type of housing we see right here," she said.