Habitat seeks $150,000 from Trust Fund to build four‑bedroom home for low‑income first‑time buyer
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Summary
Habitat for Humanity MetroWest Greater Worcester requested $150,000 to support construction of a four‑bedroom, two‑bath home at 33 Ripley Street to be sold to a household earning between 30% and 60% AMI; construction is underway with occupancy expected by Sept. 2026.
Habitat for Humanity MetroWest Greater Worcester presented two applications on Sept. 30, including a request for $150,000 to construct a four‑bedroom home at 33 Ripley Street for sale to a first‑time buyer earning between 30% and 60% of AMI.
Debbie Maruca Hoch, Habitat CEO, said site work is complete, excavation for the foundation has begun and construction is underway; Habitat anticipates occupancy and family move‑in by Sept. 2026. The home includes a first‑floor bedroom and bathroom for aging‑in‑place accessibility, and the organization said its marketing and lottery procedures are coordinated with local housing staff to ensure eligibility and fairness.
Habitat said it uses a 60% AMI cap to calculate maximum sale price and then adjusts the price so mortgage payments do not exceed 30% of the selected family’s income; the organization holds information sessions and requires 300 hours of sweat equity from the chosen family.
Trustees asked about the selection and outreach process; Habitat said marketing will follow the city’s and EOHLC’s required procedures and would use pre‑approved templates and agency outreach lists to expedite the subsidized housing inventory listing process.
The project is part of the Trust’s Tier 1 review and will be scored ahead of the Oct. 22 meeting.