A significant milestone was celebrated on Wednesday as Old Colony Habitat for Humanity (OCHFH) held a groundbreaking ceremony for their upcoming home build on Washington Street in Franklin. The event welcomed various dignitaries, including Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, State Representative Jeffrey Roy, and Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair, alongside OCHFH Board of Directors and community members.
OCHFH was awarded the historic property located at 762 Washington Street through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Town of Franklin. The site, previously home to the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House, is a historic white church established in 1856, distinguished by its impressive Doric columns. The town received the property in 1972, and since 2007, it has remained unoccupied.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, the church will undergo transformation into a single-family home that will encompass two floors. OCHFH is fully committed to maintaining the historical essence of the property while enhancing it with landscaping, achieved through volunteer efforts and donations. The organization relies on financial contributions, sponsorships, and donated materials, allowing them to build homes for multiple families in need.
Kim Thomas, CEO of OCHFH, expressed gratitude during the ceremony, stating, “We are so grateful to Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Select Board, and the Town of Franklin for their partnership and for providing this beautiful property, which will be shaped into a beautiful new home for a deserving family over the next year to a year and a half.”
The process for selecting a family who will inhabit the new home involves a competitive application process. The chosen family will be expected to contribute a down payment, assume a mortgage, and complete 250 hours of ‘sweat equity’ labor on the building project. This initiative aims to give families a “hand up” toward achieving affordable home ownership.
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen shared his excitement about the project, declaring, “I could not be more thrilled to have Habitat for Humanity join the Franklin Family. Many said this building should be knocked down. But due to the power of the Community Preservation Act and a community dedicated to preserving history and providing affordable housing, this is a project the community will cherish for generations.”
The future home, covering 2,128 square feet, will consist of three bedrooms and two bathrooms, catering to the needs of a family. OCHFH CEO Kim Thomas noted the essential role of community support, emphasizing, “This important step would not be possible without the generous funding support from the CPC funds from the town of Franklin, the Community Health System Foundation, Bristol County Savings Bank, Plainridge Park Casino, Webster Bank, Bluestone Bank, Wood Palace Kitchens, Pinette Plumbing, O’Koren Electrical, and Banner Enterprises.”
She also acknowledged Jeff Bragg from My Local Video, thanking all partners for their unwavering commitment to OCHFH’s mission.
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization focused on providing safe, reliable, and affordable housing to families in need. Currently, it serves 24 communities in Norfolk and Bristol counties, including Franklin.
For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities for the Habitat build or the home building process, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Kim Thomas at [email protected]. Further details about Old Colony Habitat for Humanity can be found on their website at www.oldcolonyhabitat.org.
image source from：franklinobserver
