10 AmeriCorps NCCC members kick started Habitat’s newest project in Salisbury, MA
Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity (MVHH) (based in Lawrence, MA) welcomed ten AmeriCorps NCCC team members aged 18-24 years old from October 14 to December 11 – a total of 4 weeks. They worked alongside regular volunteers on MVHH’s newest project in Salisbury, MA which will comprise of 7 units of affordable housing.
A team of ten AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) members who hail from as far as California and as close as Rhode Island.
“I will get things done for America to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member and I will get things done.” – AmeriCorps Pledge. This pledge dovetails with Habitat’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Upon arrival in November, the AmeriCorps NCCC members participated in MVHH’s construction kickoff celebration and got straight to work afterwards.
Four weeks later, after braving our New England weather, the foundation waterproofing, sills, first level flooring was done on the single family home and on the way for the duplex home.
“I am really impressed with the motivation of ten people who commit to working as a group, living under one roof for a whole year. The group was eager to learn how to do various tasks and always worked with a positive and friendly attitude.” – Bob Genier, a longtime Habitat volunteer and site supervisor.
“With the effort put in by the ten AmeriCorps NCCC members and the regular volunteers, our Salisbury project has taken a leap forward. With a total of seven units -one single house and three duplexes – to be built, we will welcome additional volunteers and funding. A lot of our volunteers are recently retired and looking to stay active and give back to the community. Habitat is a great opportunity,“ said Stuart Johnson, Habitat board member, regular volunteer and site supervisor.
The AmeriCorps NCCC contribution was not limited to Habitat’s Salisbury construction build – they also worked at the MVHH’s Lawrence ReStore and construction sites.
For 33 years and counting, Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity continues to partner with first-time home owners to build better lives for themselves and their families, helping them become successful home owners, caring neighbors, and contributing members of their Merrimack Valley community.
Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity is self-sustaining affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The Merrimack Valley affiliate shares a vision where everyone has a decent place to live. We bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.