Nashua – Last month, Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors elected a new President.  Jerry Harrow, who had served as president as long as the organization’s bylaws allowed, first volunteered for the organization in 1997. Since then has served as Treasurer and Vice President for the organization.  He will serve one more year as a member of the Board of Directors. 

Under Harrow’s presidency the organization grew significantly – he concludes his presidency as the organization begins to plan construction projects spanning three consecutive years: the organization has just announced that they will build a duplex in Milford for two families that have already been selected by the organization’s Family Selection Committee.  Plans for properties in Nashua and Wilton are currently on the organization’s drawing board as well. 

His service as President of the Board of Directors was one that developed organically and one that came to him as a result of his dedication to the organization – combined with circumstance.  “When I started the position, I didn’t feel like I was knowledgeable enough about Habitat to speak about it well.  Within a year or so, I gained enough background and depth of knowledge to be able to speak confidently about our mission and issues.  We then started the Habitat Information Night presentations; sharing the ministry of Habitat was one of the things I’ve liked best.” 

After approaching the organization in 1997 to volunteer where necessary he found himself immersed in several roles.  He became a member of the Board of Directors in 1999 and served as President of that Board since 2003.  

Under Harrow’s leadership the organization has seen substantial growth in the amount of small projects tackled, the organization’s land acquisition, and fundraising capabilities.  Under his direction, the Nashua affiliate for Habitat for Humanity International participated in Operation Home Delivery.  The three-day framing event was held at the Nashua Community Technical College on Amherst Street (now Nashua Community College) in the summer of 2007. 150 volunteers constructed a Home-In-A-Box for the Mobile, Alabama Habitat for Humanity affiliate to aid in recovery from Hurricane Katrina.  Habitat Information Night attendance usually fluctuated, but there was an overall, steady growth in attendance that provided Harrow with the opportunity to communicate with the community on a larger scale.  Habitat Information Nights have all resulted in substantial volunteer growth and home applicants for the organization – making Habitat for Humanity one of the most vibrant non-profit organizations in Greater Nashua. 

Harrow has concluded his term as president of the organization but will remain active in the organization: as he leaves his position the organization begins a new phase, busier than it has ever been before with three properties awaiting construction: the aforementioned duplex in Milford, a property in Wilton that could potentially result in a duplex or a single-family home, and a property in Nashua’s French Hill area that offers enough space to build a single-family home.  He will continue working for Hewlett-Packard, where he has held his private sector job since 1985.  He also leaves his position as president with a great deal of admiration from his colleagues.  Family Selection Chairman and fellow Board Member Robert Gual said “Jerry is the personification of the term ‘selfless dedication.’  Leading a non –profit entirely made of up volunteers is a unique challenge that requires an extraordinary level of patience and perseverance.  Through all of our ups and downs Jerry has lead us with a steady hand and a generous spirit.”  Eric Moore, Chairman of the organization’s Building Committee shared similar thoughts: “Jerry is highly approachable. He’s willingly taken on a huge range of organizational, administrative, and leadership tasks – including many that Jerry took on himself as he knew that they needed to get done for the good of the organization.” 

Upcoming events where members of the Greater Nashua community can help support Habitat for Humanity’s mission include the upcoming Annual Bake Sale, taking place at the United Methodist Church on 154 Main Street (Nashua, New Hampshire, 03060) during the upcoming Nashua Stroll on November 28^th.  The Annual Bake Sale, which has become a favorite stop for “strollers,” is quite likely a place where you might find Jerry supporting fellow volunteers.  Given our current economy, organizations like Habitat for Humanity are facing a greater need than ever for contributions and volunteer support. 

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.  Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Jerry Harrow, please call Jennifer Breen at 603-883-0295. For further publicity information email the Public Relations Committee at pr@nashabitat.org.