Habitat For Humanity Collaborates With Marlborough To Provide House Repairs

MARLBOROUGH, MA—A new partnership could give families a chance to stay in the home in which they live.

Habitat for Humanity MetroWest Greater Worcester (Habitat MWGW) is pleased to announce that they have formed a new partnership with the Marlborough Community Development Authority to provide critical home repairs to families in need.

“Today, the city of Marlborough has renewed its commitment to individuals and families who wish to safely age in place," said Tim Firment, Habitat MWGW executive director, in a statement. "We applaud Mayor Vigeant’s vision and look forward to working with the City to help families in the French Hill Neighborhood. Joining forces with the City allows us to maximize the funding we are able to invest in critical home repairs. By making targeted investments in homes that have fallen into disrepair, our efforts will help stabilize neighborhoods."

Habitat’s Critical Home Repair program offers assistance to families in need of exterior home repairs to address critical health, life and safety issues, according to the announcement. As a member of the Home Depot Repair Corps and through their partnership with Thrivent Financial, Habitat MWGW provides a wide variety of repairs at a very affordable rate. “By partnering our program with the resources of the City, we are able to expand our ability to stabilize neighborhoods and keep properties on the tax rolls," added Firment in the press release.

“We are excited about our new partnership with Habitat for Humanity to fund repairs to homes in French Hill. Economic development must reach all corners of Marlborough and this program will help families make much-needed improvements to their property," said Mayor Arthur Vigeant, chair of the Marlborough Community Development Authority, in a statement. "Marlborough is already investing millions of dollars into French Hill in road and park projects and our partnership will provide even more funds for improvements."

To take part in the program, families must own their home, and must earn between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income. The modifications must be completed on the primary residence and the repairs must be essential to the individual’s ability to function in the home. Participants must be current on their mortgage, property taxes and insurance and be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Qualifying families are offered a zero percent loan based on their income and are required to invest 20-30 hours of sweat equity on their repair, or another Habitat project. This program provides services including, but not limited to, wheelchair ramp installation, roof replacement, siding repair, and landscaping.

Information submitted by Habitat for Humanity

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