North Shore Housing Agency Does it Affordable, Green and Sustainable

[The following was submitted by Julie Bolduc for Habitat for Humanity-North Shore.]

Habitat for Humanity-North Shore is once again preparing for its annual auction to be held at the on Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m.

Volunteers, community members, local leaders and Habitat families are all expected to come together for this year’s event called, “Green Building Sustainable Living,” that benefits the construction of affordable housing on the North Shore. This year’s green theme recognizes Habitat’s commitment to not just building affordable homes, but to building affordable green homes that contribute to the sustainability of North Shore communities.

The organization will also honor the city of Peabody with the Cornerstone Award, which is given annually to a business or municipality that partners with Habitat-North Shore and provides the building blocks - the foundation - needed to fulfill the group’s mission.

“The city of Peabody has been an invaluable partner in our , helping us secure $1,000,000 in funding,” said Don Preston, President of the local Habitat affiliate.

“Due to the city’s investment in affordable housing, Habitat-North Shore is nearing completion of the largest construction project we have ever undertaken – building eight energy efficient three bedroom homes for deserving families. The assistance of Bill Power of the Community Preservation Committee and Karen Sawyer of Community Development and Planning were invaluable at every stage of the project, and we enjoyed tremendous support from downtown businesses and throughout Peabody too,” added Preston.

Members of the faith community on the North Shore will also be honored and recognized. The First Baptist Church of Malden will receive the Judy L. Hilliard Community Service Award. And St. Pius V Parish in Lynn, St. John's Episcopal Church in Gloucester and Ascension Memorial Church in Ipswich will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to Habitat for Humanity in the North Shore and Cape Ann areas.

The Judy L. Hilliard Community Service Award is given to a nonprofit organization that demonstrates remarkable support for the Habitat affiliate through its volunteerism, fundraising and service on work
sites.

According to Preston: “For more than 27 years, the First Baptist Church has supported Habitat-North Shore with extraordinary dedication and unselfish service on work sites and committees, at fundraising events and through its tithing.”

The annual auction is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year. Sharon Lourie, Chair of Habitat’s Development Committee noted that “the organization looks forward to the auction because community spirit permeates the event and it celebrates the generosity of our donors, bidders, guests, and everyone involved in our organization.

“The funds raised make our work possible, but it also gives us an opportunity to reflect on our mission, our growth, and the wonderful things that can be accomplished when government officials, business leaders, and nonprofits work together on behalf of families in need of housing and neighborhoods in need of renewal.”

Indeed, with building projects in Danvers and other plans underway on the North Shore, as well as an expansion into the Cape Ann area through a recent merger, Habitat for Humanity-North Shore has become one of the fastest growing Habitat affiliates in Massachusetts.

The group attracts a steady stream of in-state and out-of-state volunteers as well as the support of local banks and businesses. Wells Fargo Bank, last year’s Cornerstone Award winner, has been the principal corporate sponsor of the auction for the past two years. and Beverly Cooperative Bank have been corporate sponsors of the auction for four years running.

“We have a lot to be grateful for and we work hard throughout the year to create an auction in which everyone can share, participate, and receive our thanks,” said Lourie.

To purchase tickets for Habitat for Humanity-North Shore’s, “Green Building Sustainable Living Annual Auction 2012” visit www.habitatforhumanity-northshore.com/. Tickets are $45 online, but can also be purchased at the door the night of the event for $50. Doors open at the Danversport Yacht Club event at 6 p.m. with dinner, drinks, silent auction and live auction to follow.

About North Shore Habitat for Humanity

Formed in 1985, Habitat for Humanity-North Shore, formerly Habitat for Humanity-Lynn, is an affiliate project of Habitat for Humanity, Inc., an international Christian ministry to the housing needs of the world's poor. We are a committed group of people who believe that everyone deserves a place to live. We believe God calls us to work for the elimination of poverty housing in our community. We work in partnership with low-income families using volunteer labor, donated materials, wherever possible to renovate old houses or build new, inexpensive homes which are sold to families at cost with no profit and no interest. All mortgage monies received are recycled to be used for our next project. We are concerned with the quality of the families' lives as well, and Habitat provides them with supportive services and other ministries.

Additional information can be found at www.habitatforhumanity-northshore.com/.