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.

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.

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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 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.

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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 email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org.

ARTS FOR CHARITY EVENT TO BENEFIT
GREATER NASHUA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Nashua – Arts for Charity, an event sponsored by Ceaser Photography, Sara Prindiville Photography, Warm Stone Studio, and Studio 99 Nashua will take place on the weekend of Friday June 19^th, Saturday June 20^th, and Sunday June 21^st of 2009 at Studio 99 Nashua, in the Picker Building, 99 Factory Street Extension, Nashua, New Hampshire (03060).  All proceeds will benefit Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity.

On Friday the 19^th a Wine and Cheese Reception will be held from 7:00pm to 9:00pm – music will be provided by The Bryan Thomas Trio.  On Saturday the 20^th and Sunday the 21^st the event will be open to the public from 12:00pm to 5:00pm each day.

Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity President Jerry Harrow emphasized the commonalities between those who are sponsoring this event and the organization: “The supporters of Arts for Charity, like the volunteers of Habitat for Humanity, are concerned about living in a vibrant community in which everyone has a simple, decent place to live.  Though each individual may contribute in their own unique way, together we build a stronger community in which people can live and grow and achieve their full potential.”

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 Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org.

Vicki Hatfield (inside door on left) observes as the Mena Family poses for a picture for Greater Nshua Habitat for Humanity. Photo by Marie A. Matthews.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Mena Family was one of the first two families selected to partner with Habitat for Humanity in the construction of a home after the organization of the Nashua affiliate

Nashua - When the Mena Family first found out about Habitat for Humanity’s 0% Interest Mortgage they were a bit skeptical: Elizabeth Mena says that Habitat for Humanity seemed like “an unbelievable blessing.”  She remembers having many doubts.  “When we met the Habitat for Humanity team everything sounded so great…”  Elizabeth laughs as she looks back: “as typical Colombians, we felt it was too good to be true!”

The Mena Family celebrated the 10^th anniversary of their partnership with Habitat for Humanity this past March.  They are now half-way through a mortgage that helped finance the home they built together with other Habitat for Humanity volunteers. 

Habitat for Humanity has had a Nashua affiliate since December 1, 1994 and it initially focused on small projects such as home repairs.  The Menas were among the first two Nashua families to build an entire home with Habitat for Humanity; the two families shared a duplex on Tolles Street.  

Vicki Hatfield, a member of Habitat’s Family Selection Committee remembers how the Mena’s were chosen among a pool of applicants. “The Tolles Street project was our first. We had three qualified applicants for two homes. The Menas were our absolute first choice.  When we were selecting families they were living with other family members and their two daughters had a closet as their bedroom.”  Vicki feels that the Mena family has been a successful partner with Habitat for a number of reasons: “They were very enthusiastic; both adults, along with their 15 year old son, were at the job site almost every weekend. Prior to applying for a Habitat home they had been trying to buy a house at auction on Tolles Street. They were outbid at the auction.” 

One of the most important successes in the Menas’ experience is their sense of belonging and citizenship in Nashua.  Elizabeth and Luis both feel rooted in Nashua now.  They are also happy with the relationship their neighborhood has established with the City of Nashua.  Luis points out that “the police patrol and work well with the community.  The police know those who live in the area.  It has given us a great sense of safety and belonging.”  They credit home ownership as a contributing factor in their sense of belonging and concern for the welfare of the French Hill neighborhood.

The home ownership experience the Mena family has had, particularly their strengthened sense of community, echoes a point made by Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity President Jerry Harrow recently.  “At Habitat for Humanity we observe first-hand the benefits when a neighborhood is populated with home-owners, regardless of their income level.  Home-owners are more invested in their community, and are more likely to volunteer in civic and political activities.  There is also a strong correlation between owner-occupied homes and reduced levels of crime.”   

The Mena’s have remodeled their home in recent years and anticipate living in their home for many more years to come.

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 Vicki Hatfield or the Mena Family, please call Ed Lopez at 603-883-0295 or email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org.  Photography should be credited to Marie A. Matthews.  For further photography details, please contact Marie at marie.matthews@nashabitat.org.  For further details on the Mena family and their 10 year partnership with Habitat for Humanity, please visit www.nashabitat.org/2009/05/12/mena-family-celebrates-10th-year-of-partnership-with-gnhfh/.

The Mena Family in front of their Tolles Street property in Nashua. Photo by Marie Matthews.

More than ten years ago the Mena family was searching for a home in the French Hill area of Nashua when they found out about Habitat for Humanity.  “There was an auction for a house on Tolles Street and they bid on the house but it didn’t work out.”  That’s when Nancy Metsiou, a Mena family cousin, found out about Habitat for Humanity through the newspaper.  “Habitat turned out to be a much better proposition,” explains Family Selection Committee member Vicki Hatfield.

Elizabeth Mena says that Habitat for Humanity seemed like such an unbelievable blessing: she and her husband Luis Mena felt the house they were bidding on was not meant to be and that God knew of a better plan for them… but they had their reservations.  “We had a lot of doubts – when we met the Habitat for Humanity team everything sounded so great”.  Elizabeth laughs when she looks back: “as typical Colombians, we felt it was too good to be true!”

Elizabeth and Luis Mena arrived in Nashua 22 years ago.  They each moved from Colombia; Luis came from Obando Valle and Elizabeth from Cartago Valle.  They came because they each had family in New Hampshire but they did not meet each other until moving to the Nashua area.  Part of their plan to start a family together was to become home owners. 

After the unsuccessful bid for a home they decided to apply for a property with Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity and invested themselves with other volunteers in the effort to erect it. 

The Mena’s have raised their family there: three children and an additional child that joined them later.  Luis says “it feels quite good living on Tolles Street.  The neighborhood hasn’t changed much, there are all types of people in this area but one thing we appreciate is that everyone respects each other’s privacy.”  Luis adds that this has not taken away from a sense of community: “our children have grown up with the other children in the area; privacy is very important to us but we get along with everyone and that’s the balance we have been afforded here in this home”.

Determination has been a key factor in the succesful partnership between the Menas and Habitat for Humanity.  “When we moved here we felt we made commitments to Habitat for Humanity and the community; we felt determined to stay here.  Everything has gone so well that we feel very happy with respect to the mutual commitments we made.  We are very grateful to God for the opportunity Habitat for Humanity afforded us,” says Elizabeth.  Interestingly, they no longer feel the weight of a commitment.  Elizabeth adds: “It’s more a great sense of satisfaction than it is a sense of taxing commitment, we are still very committed to Habitat for Humanity and the neighborhood but it’s not, in any way, like carrying a burden – on the contrary, we are so happy here.”

Inarguably, this sense of transition from “commitment” to “partnership” stems from a number of circumstances, but most specifically two.  When the Menas applied for a Habitat for Humanity home they agreed to keep a 500 hour “sweat equity” commitment (today the required sweat equity commitment is 350 hours), which they fulfilled and which gave them a much stronger sense of ownership.  Elizabeth and Luis explain that it’s exciting to live in the place that they helped build.  They have video footage and photos of the entire process.  “It’s watching a dream come true – it’s impressive to think that this is a reality,” says Elizabeth. 

Another critical element that elevated their experience from one of “commitment” to one of  “partnership” was the dedication and involvement of other Habitat volunteers.  ”Vicki Hatfield has been there from the beginning and we are very grateful to her and her husband.”  Elizabeth adds: “The entire group helped us a great deal – but Vicki was particularly helpful and still remains a close friend.  There was a great deal of support and Vicki excelled at this.  She was the bridge between us and the rest of the organization.”

The home ownership experience the Mena family has had, particularly their strengthened sense of community, echoes a point made by Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity President Jerry Harrow recently.  “At Habitat for Humanity we observe first-hand the benefits when a neighborhood is populated with home-owners, regardless of their income level.  Home-owners are more invested in their community, and are more likely to volunteer in civic and political activites.  There is also a strong correlation between owner-occupied homes and reduced levels of crime.”  

One of the most important successes in the Menas’ experience is their sense of belonging and citizenship in Nashua.  Elizabeth and Luis both feel rooted in Nashua now.  They are also happy with the relationship their neighborhood has established with the City of Nashua.  Luis points out that “the police patrol and work well with the community.  The police know those who live in the area.  It has given us a great sense of safety and belonging.” 

The Mena’s, who now have four grandchildren, celebrated the 10^th year anniversary of their move into a home they built with the Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity this past March.

Q & A with Vicki Hatfield of the Family Selection Committee

Family Selection Committee member Vicki Hatfield played a very important role in helping the Mena family achieve their dream of home ownership – more importantly, she was actively engaged in getting other volunteers to interact in the Family Support phase of the partnership.

Where did the Mena family fit in the order of families that GNHFH has been able to help become home-owners?  

The Tolles Street project was our first. We had three qualified applicants for two homes. The Menas were our absolute first choice. When we were selecting families they were living with other family members and their two daughters had a closet as their bedroom.

What was it about the Mena family that made them a successful match for Habitat for Humanity? What made them a good family to partner with?

They were very enthusiastic; both adults, along with their 15 year old son, were at the job site almost every weekend. Prior to applying for a Habitat home they had been trying to buy a house at auction on Tolles Street. They were outbid at the auction.

What has been the most memorable part of the experience of partnering with the Mena family? 

For me, the most memorable part of the experience was how the kids from both families* bonded even before they moved into the houses and even though the Lalmonds have been gone for over a year, the kids are still in touch with each other. They are very much like extended family to each other and to me. Both families have become very good friends of mine and my husband.

* (the Menas live in one half of a duplex built by GNHFH and moved in concurrent to the Lalmonds, another family that partnered with GNHFH and who occupied the other half of the duplex until recently)

If you are a new volunteer or are interested in volunteering this is the best opportunity to get an overview of what Habitat for Humanity does and how you can help.

We are always looking for construction volunteers but also need help with Public Relations, Newsletter Editing and Writing, Land and Property Selection, Family Selection, Office and Administrative Work, etc.  Please let us know if you plan to attend the meeting.  Email us at office@nashabitat.org.

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The organization is still looking for interested applicants and for volunteers to help begin construction in the spring

Nashua – Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity will hold a Habitat Information Night meeting for those who are interested in applying or who have already submitted applications for homes.  Those interested in volunteering for construction projects, beginning this spring, are urged to attend. The meeting will be held this coming Monday, April 13^th, 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, 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 volunteering for the 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 President Jerry Harrow at office@nashabitat.org; over 40 volunteers and applicants attended last month’s Habitat Information Night, potential volunteers and potential home applicants are urged to reserve a space at the meeting as soon as possible. 

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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 email Ed at ed.lopez@nashabitat.org.

Are you interested in volunteering, but not sure how to get Involved?

Would I qualify to become a Homeowner and how does one Apply?

Please Note the following upcoming event…

Next Habitat for Humanity Information Night — Mon Mar 9th

The agenda includes a video about the work of Habitat for Humanity, a presentation about our work locally in the Greater Nashua area, an opportunity to meet with local Habitat leaders to help match your interests with an appropriate volunteer opportunity, and information homeownership with Habitat and how to apply.

Date: Monday, March 9th
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Place:

Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity — Annex Office
Main St United Methodist Church
Lower Level
154 Main St, Nashua NH

Additional information call 883-0295

Directions available

Applications are being accepted for upcoming homes:

• Ridge St — Nashua
• Tonella Rd — Milford
• Russell St — Wilton

Current Volunteer Needs:

• Office Staff:  Pick up mail, Answer Emails & Phone Calls, Filing, Data Entry, and General Office Work
• Material Donations Handling: Respond to material donations — coordinate pickup.
• Materials & Inventory: Keeping the storage trailer organized and inventoried
• Ebay Sales help
• Construction Team Leaders: Help direct inexperience volunteers

We always need committed volunteers to help in all areas. Particularly, volunteer processing, office management, web site development, public relations, and general committee work. All those background items that enable us to fulfill our mission of building homes for people in need.

RSVP:

Please drop me an email (Jerry.Harrow@nashabitat.org) if you plan to attend this meeting.