Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Behind the Build event

360 Chestnut Street,Holyoke MA 01040

18 November, 2022

Description

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) has partnered with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (NRMCA) Build with Strength Coalition to construct a new, affordable, low-carbon home in Holyoke. Using insulated concrete forms (ICFs), the home's framing is made with a sustainable, noncombustible concrete building system that reduces upfront construction expenses while maximizing the structure’s durability and energy performance. Soon-to-be homeowner Antonia will save long-term costs on utilities and insurance. Community members, volunteers, local leaders, and media are invited to a “Behind the Build” event on Friday, Nov. 18, from 10am to 12pm at the build site, 360 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, to celebrate the progress and meet the many people and partners who made this project happen. The event will feature remarks from local leaders, a view of the current construction, a “block signing ceremony,” and an interactive training about building with ICFs. Antonia is a single mother of three teenage daughters and a pre-teen son. She and her children are survivors of domestic abuse. They currently live in an apartment with significant issues, including poor insulation, sewage backups, mold in the basement, a leaky roof, and is in an unsafe neighborhood. The apartment is just one of many the family has lived in through the years. Antonia said it's now time for a change and wants to show her children it is possible to break the cycle of abuse and give back to the community that helped them escape their situation. GSHFH is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home preservation opportunities. Since 1987, Greater Springfield Habitat has built or repaired 120 homes in 23 towns. This project represents the first home to utilize ICFs, which will further reduce long-term costs for the future homeowners.