PRESS RELEASE – December 6, 2021
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact: Colin Penney, phone: (401) 213-6711 x304 Colin@southcountyhabitat.org
South County Habitat for Humanity receives $424,204 in funding, largest in organization’s 31 year history
Charlestown, R.I. South County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $424,204 in funding through the Building Homes Rhode Island (BHRI) program. This is the largest grant in the organization's 31 year history.
In March 2021 at a special election, Rhode Islanders voted “Yes on 3” approving a $65 million Bond for Housing and Community Opportunity.
“My team spent the early part of 2021 tirelessly spreading awareness about the special election, encouraging the community to get out and vote,” remarked Colin Penney, Executive Director at South County Habitat for Humanity. “Thankfully, the Bond passed, and because of such, our organization has been awarded $424,204 to fund the construction of four homes right here in Washington County. I’m still in disbelief, and so very grateful for everyone who voted to invest in the community. Because of them, four low-income families in need of safe, decent and affordable housing, will soon have a home of their own,” added Penney.
Of the funding, $88,000 is for a single family unit of homeownership being built in South Kingstown, close to the University of Rhode Island. Habitat anticipates breaking ground on this project in early Spring. In November 2021, Habitat opened applications for this property and fielded more than 100 phone calls from families interested in applying. The need for affordable housing in Washington County is greater than ever.
The remaining $326,204 is for three-single family homes being built on Cardinal Lane in Hopkinton. After these units are completed Habitat will be building four more units on the same street. Construction will begin on these homes in the summer of 2022. Habitat hopes to open a homeownership application round in the spring for the units.
The BHRI funding is an unbelievable financial opportunity, but it also means Habitat will need volunteer support from the community, to keep pace with the rigorous construction schedule. If you are interested in lending a hand (or hammer), please visit www.SouthCountyHabitat.org or call (401) 213-6711.
About South County Habitat for Humanity
South County Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes, by advocating for fair and just housing policies, and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more general information, call (401) 213-6711, or go to our website at www.southcountyhabitat.org.
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