North Andover Affordable Housing Trust provides Critical Home Repairs

In an effort to expand assistance to income qualifying homeowners residing in North Andover, the North Andover Affordable Housing Trust is partnering with Essex County Habitat for Humanity to provide Critical Home Repairs to residents. Home repairs are another way the AHT will deliver on its mission of providing for the preservation, creation and support of affordable housing in North Andover for the benefit of low- and moderate-income households.

“We are delighted to be partnering with an incredible organization like Habitat for Humanity to be able offer this program to our town residents," said Dick Vaillancourt, Chair of the North Andover Affordable Housing Trust.

Not only does the program address the affordable housing crisis by extending the life of the town’s current housing stock, but it also allows qualified homeowners to continue to live independently and securely in their homes.

Habitat has several years of experience administering Critical Home Repairs in other municipalities. They’ve done a wide range of projects from installing grab bars in a shower to make a senior’s bathroom safer, to fixing rotted decking for less treacherous coming and going, to installing new siding to prevent critters from entering a home.

Michelle, a North Andover resident, recently had her rotted deck repaired through the program. “When my deck became a risk to my safety - the stairs on my back deck were literally falling off - I knew I needed help to afford the repairs. That's when I reached out to Habitat for Humanity,” she explained. “The repairs have lowered my stress levels and I'm happy knowing I do not have to worry about falling every time I take my back stairs. My service dog is safe too!”

The program primarily serves, but is not limited to, elder and/or disabled homeowners, and does repairs necessary to maintain sound condition of the home, weatherization and energy efficiency, those needed to alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or code violations, and those that will help older adults age safely in their homes, maintain a healthy lifestyle and live independently.

“With the high cost of living, it’s difficult for many to afford upkeep – especially those on a fixed income. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home and we’re happy to be able to help,” said Meegan O’Neil, Executive Director of Essex County Habitat.

To approve a project for the Critical Home Repair program, Habitat staff inspects the disrepair of the house and determines financial qualifications (total household income must be at or under 60% of area median income – up to $67,860 for two people). The home must be owner occupied and located within North Andover to qualify, and the homeowner must agree to a loan that is forgiven over time.

To learn more, visit: https://www.essexcountyhabitat...

About Essex County Habitat for Humanity

Essex County Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the largest nonprofit homebuilder in the world. Essex County Habitat builds and repairs decent, safe, and affordable homes in partnership with the families who need them. In place of a down payment, each partner family works at least 240 sweat equity hours alongside volunteers to build their home and then carries an affordable 30-year mortgage. Since it was established in 1985, the affiliate has delivered on their mission for over 160 families in Essex County.

To help fund their work, Essex County Habitat operates a ReStore, located in Lawrence, where they sell quality new and previously owned furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods at greatly reduced prices. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, please visit EssexCountyHabitat.org