Thirty people gathered at 35 Campbell Street in Boothbay Harbor on Wednesday afternoon, July 24 to help Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine celebrate the start of their next new home construction project.

The Boothbay region has been experiencing an increased need for workforce housing that is affordable and Habitat is happy to be a part of the solution.

Habitat homes are made possible by engaging local partners in a true community effort. Habitat is grateful for the warm welcome and generous offers of support being received from so many individuals, businesses and organizations wanting to help. Early supporters include the town of Boothbay Harbor and the select board who donated the land to Habitat, Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, local contractors and businesses, our interfaith partners, and the Boothbay Harbor and Coastal Rotary clubs.

Jake Hodgdon, Shelby Pinkham and their son are our partner family and will become the home’s owners once the project is completed. Jake and Shelby and many generations of their family have roots in the Boothbay area. Shelby has worked as a CNA and a stay at home mom. Jake is a familiar face at the local transfer station where he has worked for seven years. Like others in the area they have struggled to find a place to live that they could afford. For four years the family has been living with Jake's parents while they have continued to search for a home of their own.

Habitat builds new homes because we believe that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. Homes are built partnering with families who cannot find affordable homes in the communities where they work, have housing costs that exceed 30% of their monthly budget, or are living in substandard conditions. So much more than just a house, Habitat knows that through homeownership we also help build successful children, stronger families, and a stronger community.

This is just the beginning of Habitat’s effort to build affordable homes in the region. You can help on this project and future homes by volunteering, providing in-kind support of materials or contractor services, or making a donation. Gifts can be made online at www.habitat7rivers.org and clicking on Jake and Shelby’s story on the homepage. Donations can also be mailed to Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine at 126 Main Street, Suite #1, Topsham ME 04086.

To learn more about volunteering or offering other support please call Kathy at 207-504-9334.