Essex County Habitat for Humanity celebrates 40th anniversary at Building Dreams Gala

Essex County Habitat for Humanity raised over $185,000 at the Building Dreams Gala to build affordable homes in Essex County. The event, held October 16 at the Ipswich Country Club, was a celebration of the organization’s 40 years of supporting local families in life-changing ways.

Families like Tina Lloyd's, one of the local Habitat affiliate’s first homeowners, who proudly shared her story and how owning a Habitat home enabled her to send her two daughters to college.

During the program, Watts Water Technologies received the Community Builder Award for standing alongside Habitat for 37 years, generously sharing their time, talent and resources to help build safe, stable, and affordable homes.

Additionally, Richard and Lolli Sumberg were honored with the Keystone Partner Award. For decades, the Sumbergs have been champions of Habitat’s mission, offering not only their generous support but also their leadership and passion for expanding access to affordable housing.

“We thank the community for supporting our mission at this, our largest fundraiser of the year, and over the past 40 years,” said Kevin Hudson, Habitat’s Director of Charitable Giving. “It’s heartwarming to know that so many share our vision that one day, everyone will have decent place to live.”

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 205 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