Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity President Ed Lopez. Photo by Marie Lopez.

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity has announced newly elected officers on its Board of Directors.  Ed Lopez, of Nashua, who has been serving as the organization’s Public Relations Chairman, has been elected President of the Board of Directors.  Marie Lopez, also of Nashua, has been re-elected Secretary of the Board while Chris Houpis, of Amherst, has been elected Assistant Secretary of the Board.  Vice President Peter Dobratz, of Derry, and Treasurer Karen Files, of Milford, are each in the middle of their first two-year term as officers on said Board. 

Each brings a different set of experiences to the Board’s officer team. 

Chris Houpis, a software executive at Kronos, which is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, has served in the Public Relations Committee at Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity.  He has also served in a number of non-profit organizations over the last few years, including service as a past president of the Manchester Queen City Rotary, service as chairman of the Board of Trustees at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, and membership in the Software Association of New Hampshire.  

Marie Lopez is the owner of Marie Lopez Photography and was, until recently, working for Lowell City Hall, in Lowell, Massachusetts.  She served as part of the city’s Management Information Systems Department.  She is currently completing Political Science and Photography studies at the University of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Institute of Art.  Currently, she manages the organization’s main office at 63 Temple Street, in Nashua, with Jennifer Breen.  She has also served in the Public Relations Committee. 

Ed Lopez has worked for US Senators Hank Brown and the late John H. Chafee.  In 1998 he was a candidate for Rhode Island Secretary of State and until recently served in the Military Intelligence Branch of the United States Army Reserve’s Individual Mobilization Augmentation Program, at the Joint Analysis Center in Molesworth, England.  He is currently completing a doctorate in Intelligence Studies at Durham University, in England. 

“We are each excited to continue working with Habitat for Humanity in these new capacities – but in our organization we rely on a working Board of Directors – which means that no matter what title we carry, for whatever period of time, we are all equally immersed in a tremendous amount of work.  We face a daunting challenge to raise funds in our current economy – which we need to do in order to help create affordable housing for qualified families, and this is a challenge all members of this Board are wholeheartedly and equally committed to,” said Ed Lopez. 

Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity is preparing to begin a construction project in the spring of 2010.  “At the moment we are preparing to build homes for two families in Milford and we want to urge members of the Greater Nashua community to help us raise the necessary funds, volunteer help, and materials necessary to make this project a great success.  We have at least two more homes to build right after that.  Those families and their friends are contributing as many hours of labor as our other volunteers.  We offer a ‘hand-up, not a hand-out’ so our pursuit for support helps sustain a mission that nurtures the values of hard-work and a team effort within the community,” said Board Secretary Marie Lopez. 

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.  Chris Houpis is a member of Saint Philip Greek Orthodox Church, in Nashua.  Marie and Ed Lopez are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also in Nashua.  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, please call Jennifer Breen at 603-883-0295. For further publicity information email the Public Relations Committee at pr@nashuahabitat.org.

TEL. 603-883-0295                                                                           
EMAIL: jerry.harrow@nashabitat.org

GREATER NASHUA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CELEBRATES UN WORLD HABITAT DAY

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity is proud to join the United Nations, communities throughout the world, the United States, New Hampshire, and all organizations who are supporting World Habitat Day in their efforts to “reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter.”  World Habitat Day will take place on Monday, October 5, 2009. 

Public Relations Chairman Ed Lopez stated that “the Nashua affiliate of Habitat for Humanity and its President, Jerry Harrow, have been particularly busy over the last few weeks raising awareness of the need for adequate shelter in the Greater Nashua area”.  

World Habitat Day takes place every first Monday of October and has been designated as the day for the entire world to reflect on these issues.  Over the last few weeks Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity has intensified its efforts to increase its pool of applicants for home ownership.  The organization anticipates building three homes between 2010 and 2012.  The organization has also hosted events in the area since the spring to help Greater Nashua area residents understand their efforts in the community – this included a publicity campaign celebrating a local family’s partnership with the organization that reached its 10-year anniversary in May, as well as a Community Fun Day at Greeley Park.  The neighboring Manchester affiliate of Habitat for Humanity is hosting a Deborah Wyndham Concert on October 4th to celebrate World Habitat Day.  

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 for Humanity 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 Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or 603-438-6961; you can also email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org for the most immediate response.

TEL. 603-883-0295                                                                             
EMAIL: jerry.harrow@nashabitat.org

 GREATER NASHUA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PRESIDENT TO STEP DOWN AT THE END OF OCTOBER
Jerry Harrow First Volunteered in 1997 

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity has announced that current President Jerry Harrow will step down after serving as president of the organization for six years.  No successor has been named. 

Harrow began volunteering for the organization in 1997.  He became a member of the Board of Directors in 1999 and has served as President 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.  

Harrow will be stepping down as president 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.  He will continue working for Hewlett-Packard, where he has held his private sector job since 1985. 

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 for Humanity invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. 

# # # 

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Jerry Harrow, please call Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or 603-438-6961; you can also email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org for the most immediate response.

TEL. 603-883-0295                                                                                    
EMAIL: stephanie.allen@nashabitat.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY COMMUNITY FUN DAY
Organization Announces Entertainment for Annual Event 

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity will hold its first annual Habitat for Humanity Community Fun Day on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Greely Park (100 Concord Street, Nashua, New Hampshire, 03064) from noon to 6:00PM.  The rain date for this event is Sunday, September 20, 2009. 

The organization has announced some of the entertainment for that day.  Scheduled to appear at the half-shell are: the Randozz Band, Jarvis Adams Band, Locked and Loaded Featuring Jackie Lee, Pivot Ministries, Kelly Jameson, Doc Michaud, Nashua South High School Octet, and Jam Lab.  The live entertainment will last for the duration of the event. 

This fun and educational event includes activities for all ages. Some of the exciting things going on will include: exhibitors, a bake sale, raffles, and youth activities. 

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 for Humanity invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. 

# # # 

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Stephanie Allen, please call Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or 603-438-6961; you can also email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org for the most immediate response.

TEL. 603-883-0295                                                                                    
EMAIL: stephanie.allen@nashabitat.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY COMMUNITY FUN DAY
Events Announced for Annual Event 

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity will hold its first annual Habitat for Humanity Community Fun Day on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Greely Park (100 Concord Street, Nashua, New Hampshire, 03064) from noon to 6:00PM.  The rain date for this event is Sunday, September 20, 2009. 

Although the organization continues to add events, it can confirm the following: a Bake Sale, Dunk Tank, Raffles, Exhibitors, Youth Activities, Bounce House, and a White Elephant Table.  These events will take place concurrent to performances throughout the day on the half-shell stage.  The raffles include prizes ranging from classes at New Horizons to an autographed Red Sox baseball.  The big mystery surrounds the person who will sit at the Dunk Tank! 

The objective of the day is to provide entertainment for families but to also provide them with the opportunity to learn about Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity’s mission and role in the local community. 

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 for Humanity invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. 

# # # 

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Stephanie Allen, please call Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or 603-438-6961; you can also email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org for the most immediate response.

TEL. 603-883-0295                                                                                    
EMAIL: stephanie.allen@nashabitat.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY COMMUNITY FUN DAY RAFFLE
Organization to Raffle Autographed Red Sox Baseball, Tickets to NASCAR Race, Restaurant and Grocery Gift Certificates 

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity will hold its first annual Habitat for Humanity Community Fun Day on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Greely Park (100 Concord Street, Nashua, New Hampshire, 03064) from noon to 6:00PM.  The rain date for this event is Sunday, September 20, 2009. 

Several raffles are taking place at this event; among the items being raffled: a Boston Red Sox Rico Petricelli signed baseball, two tickets to NHMS Heluva Good 200 NASCAR race, a New Horizons class certificate, and gift certificates for Shaw’s, Hannaford, High Dimension Salon and Spa, Margaritas, and Tokyo Joe’s Studio and Self-Defense. 

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 for Humanity invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. 

This fun and educational event includes activities for all ages. Some of the exciting things going on will include: exhibitors, a bake sale, youth activities, and day-long entertainment at the half-shell. 

# # # 

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Stephanie Allen, please call Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or 603-438-6961; you can also email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org for the most immediate response.

TEL. 603-883-0295                                                                                    
EMAIL: eric.moore@nashabitat.org

 GREATER NASHUA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO ASSIST KaBOOOM! 

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity will play a critical role this coming Thursday, September 10^th, when it joins forces with KaBOOM! to help install a new playground at Bronstein Apartments at 42 Central Street in Nashua, New Hampshire (03060). 

Board of Directors member and Building Committee Chairman Eric Moore is seeking volunteers to help Habitat for Humanity in this effort.  Volunteers must arrive by 8:00 AM for registration with Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity and to sign waivers.  Breakfast will be provided before the official kick-off at 8:30 AM.  The playground will be built between 8:45 AM and 2:30 PM.  Lunch will be served in shifts during that time; a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place right at 2:30 PM. 

Board Member and Public Relations Chairman Ed Lopez emphasized the need to pass the word around. “This is the type of effort that brings quite an eclectic group of volunteers together – we have always had a great pool of volunteers to rely on but we are especially enthusiastic about the chance to see a larger number than usual volunteering and working in tandem with volunteers from other organizations – this is the type of project that brings communities together; we’re honored that Habitat for Humanity was invited to participate.” 

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 for Humanity invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. 

Potential volunteers should contact the organization at 603-883-0295 as soon as possible. 

# # # 

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Eric Moore, please call Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or 603-438-6961; you can also email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org for the most immediate response.

TEL. 603-883-0295                                                                                    
EMAIL: stephanie.allen@nashabitat.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY COMMUNITY FUN DAY
Organization Seeks Volunteers to Help Run Event 

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity will hold its first annual Habitat for Humanity Community Fun Day on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Greely Park (100 Concord Street, Nashua, New Hampshire, 03064) from noon to 6:00PM.  The rain date for this event is Sunday, September 20, 2009.  Habitat for Humanity is seeking businesses, organizations, and individuals that can help sponsor, fund, or exhibit at the event. 

Event coordinator Stephanie Allen, who is also a member of the Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, said that Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers to help with set-up, exhibits, clean-up, etc.  There are many volunteer roles to fit into at the Community Fun Day.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact the office at 603-883-0295. 

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 for Humanity invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. 

This fun and educational event includes activities for all ages. Some of the exciting things going on will include: exhibitors, a bake sale, raffles, youth activities, and day-long entertainment at the half-shell. 

# # # 

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Stephanie Allen, please call Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or 603-438-6961; you can also email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org for the most immediate response.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO HOLD MEETING FOR POTENTIAL HOME APPLICANTS, VOLUNTEERS
Organization in Need to Increase Applicant Pool 

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity will hold a Habitat Information Night meeting for those who are interested in applying for homes in Milford, Nashua, and Wilton.  Those interested in volunteering for construction projects and in other capacities are urged to attend. The meeting will be held this coming Tuesday, June 23rd, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity Annex Office, Main Street United Methodist Church, 154 Main Street, Nashua, New Hampshire (03060).  The application process, requirements for applicants, possible ways in which applicants might overcome obstacles in the application process, and an explanation of how families are ultimately selected will all be discussed during this meeting.  Current volunteer needs, particularly for Construction Team Leaders to help direct inexperienced volunteers, fundraising, as well as the Take a Hike for Humanity 2010 will be discussed. 

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. 

If you are interested in learning about Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity, this meeting will also include a thorough discussion of the organization’s mission, history, and the specific volunteer needs in the area.  Everyone is welcome.  Please reserve your space at this meeting by contacting Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity’s Public Relations Committee at pr@nashabitat.org; over 35 volunteers and applicants attended last April’s Habitat Information Night: potential volunteers and potential home applicants are urged to reserve a space at the meeting as soon as possible.

# # # 

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Jerry Harrow, please call Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO HOLD MEETING FOR POTENTIAL HOME APPLICANTS
Organization in Need to Increase Applicant Pool 

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity will hold a Habitat Information Night meeting for those who are interested in applying for homes in Milford, Nashua, and Wilton.  The meeting will be held this coming Tuesday, June 23rd, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity Annex Office, Main Street United Methodist Church, 154 Main Street, Nashua, New Hampshire (03060).  The application process, requirements for applicants, possible ways in which applicants might overcome obstacles in the application process, and an explanation of how families are ultimately selected will all be discussed during this meeting.  While the organization’s volunteer needs will be discussed, it is placing special emphasis on the application process. 

Public Relations Committee Chairman Ed Lopez is stressing the need for those in the Greater Nashua community to become aware of the unique opportunity that has presented itself: “Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity has never offered so many home ownership opportunities at once.  It is critical for people to understand that in this economic climate a family whose circumstances make home ownership difficult might find an opportunity through Habitat for Humanity.  A zero percent interest mortgage and the kindness and hard work of many volunteers involved in the process of building a Habitat home afford this unique opportunity for families in need.” 

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. 

Please reserve your space at this meeting by contacting Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity’s Public Relations Committee at pr@nashabitat.org; over 35 volunteers and applicants attended last April’s Habitat Information Night: potential volunteers and potential home applicants are urged to reserve a space at the meeting as soon as possible.

# # # 

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Jerry Harrow, please call Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org.