Habitat provides local mission for congregational church

The Habitat for Humanity house to be built in Townsend this summer received a helping hand from the Townsend Congregational Church.

Rev. Mark Seifried, on behalf of the congregation, presented the organization with $20,000, bringing the total raised for the house to over $50,000.

Local residents have worked to raise the money through events and fundraising activities in town.

The money was set aside by the church several years ago, when Townsend Congregational Church ran a capital campaign to construct an addition to the historic building. The members voted to set aside 10 percent for mission activities, internationally and locally.

The local portion was designated for a Habitat house. Steve Boczenowski, president of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts which is partnering with the Townsend Habitat Local Partner Committee, noted that this is the largest single donation from a faith community in the history of the area.

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is a nonprofit ecumenical housing ministry that builds houses with people in need. It is the local affiliate of Habitat for Huma n i t y International, serving 24 towns and cities in north central Massachusetts.

Close to 100 volunteers joined Townsend residents Teuta and Ndricim Baboci, who will own the Habitat home, to clear brush from the lot on Apple Drive last fall. Once excavation is completed, volunteers will help the Baboci family build the house.

Homeowners put in hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" and work alongside local volunteers. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome.

Volunteer opportunities will be posted on the Web site of the local Habitat affiliate at www.ncmhabitat.org in late spring. For more information about the Townsend Habitat house, or to donate funds, new materials and services, contact co-chairs Don Ouellette (978) 597- 5527 or Michele Cannon (978) 597- 6472.

To volunteer now to help with upcoming events contact Gail and Dave Powers (978) 597-0709.