Foundation Gift Will Help Ensure Energy Efficiency of Town’s First Habitat for Humanity Home

A .62-acre parcel of land at 382 Hammock Road North will soon be the site of a brand new, 1,200-square-foot, three-bedroom ranch home that a local family selected by Middlesex Habitat for Humanity (MHFH) will call their own. It took MHFH three years of active property hunting to find this site, and it will take more than 250 volunteers to construct the home, which will be made energy efficient in part thanks to a $20,000 donation from the Westbrook Foundation.

“Middlesex Habitat designs homes that utilize energy efficient materials—windows, insulation, heating systems, appliances, etc.—so that the homeowners will spend less on the cost of their utility bills,” said Sarah Bird, executive director of MHFH. The Westbrook Foundation donation “will directly impact and fund the energy efficient measures we take to help protect our homeowners from energy poverty.”

Westbrook Foundation Chair Paul Winch said supporting MHFH aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission.

“As a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of the town’s citizens, the Westbrook Foundation is always looking for ways it can make a meaningful impact,” said Winch. “When the Board members learned that Middlesex Habitat was planning a build here in town, finding a way to help immediately became a priority. We’re so proud to be able to support the efforts of this great organization, and specifically to support the effort to increase the number of affordable housing options in town.”

Bird said MHFH hopes to break ground on the project this spring, depending on the weather. She anticipates a completion date near year’s end, stating that Habitat builds typically require eight to ten months of volunteer labor.

“Westbrook is ready to roll up their sleeves and do whatever it takes to get this home built,” said Bird. “The town is aware there is a lack of affordable homes, and I think this has helped tremendously and is the reason why the reception has been wonderful.”

Bird said MHFH is particularly grateful for the support of the Westbrook Foundation, with its proven track record and decades-long reputation for helping effect positive change.

“The Westbrook Foundation is a well-respected organization and funder, and to have its support means our work is respected and identified as important for the community,” she said.