Habitat for Humanity building first home in Taunton. Volunteers needed to help with build

Daniel Schemer, The Taunton Daily Gazette
·4 min read

TAUNTON – Habitat for Humanity is preparing to build its first home in Taunton on Chester Court.

“I’m excited to be building in this community,” said Kim Thomas, executive director of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, which serves 24 communities across Bristol and Norfolk counties, including the City of Taunton.

The home being built, classified as affordable housing, will be located at 5 Chester Court.  The home, Thomas said, will be 1,500 sq. ft., with 3 bedrooms, and 1.5 baths.

“We're thrilled to welcome Habitat for Humanity as they build their first home in Taunton, reinforcing our commitment to affordable housing," said Mayor Shaunna O’ Connell in an emailed statement. "Their dedication to providing homes for families in need aligns perfectly with our community values. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them and supporting their impactful work."

The home that was previously located at 5 Chester Court in Taunton was demolished by the city on April 10 so that Old Colony Habitat for Humanity can eventually build there.
The home that was previously located at 5 Chester Court in Taunton was demolished by the city on April 10 so that Old Colony Habitat for Humanity can eventually build there.

How Habitat for Humanity works

The non-profit organization builds homes for needy families, relying heavily on volunteers and donations, both for building out the homes and for funding the materials.

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity was originally called Attleboro Area Habitat for Humanity when it formed in 1989.  Thomas, who became executive director at the end of 2020, said the branch, since its inception, has been charged with building one home every three years.  She said since taking over she’s made it a goal to build one home every year.

The Chester Court home in Taunton will be Old Colony’s 13th build.

Thomas said she will still have to fundraise $300,000 for materials, permitting fees, and contractor work that won’t be volunteered.

The home that was previously located at 5 Chester Court in Taunton was demolished by the city on April 10 so that Old Colony Habitat for Humanity can eventually build there.
The home that was previously located at 5 Chester Court in Taunton was demolished by the city on April 10 so that Old Colony Habitat for Humanity can eventually build there.

Who will live in the house

Anyone inside Old Colony’s service area, including Taunton, can apply to own the home.

The family that applies to Habitat for Humanity and is chosen by Old Colony to receive the home, isn’t getting the home for free.  Thomas explains its affordable housing, and the income generators have to prove they have good credit, have jobs, and can afford a mortgage.

“It’s a hand-up, not a hand-out,” said Thomas, who added the mission of the organization is to “provide safe, affordable housing for people looking for a chance.”

In addition, the family chosen has to contribute at least 250 hours of “sweat equity” by helping build the home through physical labor.

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How the land was secured

Thomas, a native of Taunton, said doing a build in the city was a goal of hers since she became director of Old Colony.  “It’s a gateway city.  The need is high for affordable housing.”

Jay Pateakos, executive director for the Office of Economic and Community Development, said Thomas approached the city looking for options for a home.  “The mayor was immediately interested in a project that would involve building a home in Taunton to benefit a local family.”

The property of 5 Chester Court was listed under the city’s Marketable Properties Program.  This program identifies unused or underutilized properties in the city that can be sold or repurposed for industrial, residential, conservation, and/or charitable purposes, according to Patrick Dello Russo, Taunton’s chief financial officer.

Pateakos said the home at 5 Chester Court had been under tax title ownership by the city for years due to unpaid property taxes.

An RFP went out last fall for the property.  Details in the RFP expressed a similar purpose from other recent RFPs by the city, such as the Bacon Felt Factory property on West Water St., and the former Leonard School building on West Brittania St., where the emphasis is on community impact over price being offered.

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity was awarded the land.  According to Pateakos, the city used Community Development Block Grant funds to pay for the demolition of the old home which occurred on April 10.

“It was run-down and an eyesore in the neighborhood,” said Pateakos.

The home, formerly at 5 Chester Court, was foreclosed and under ownership by the City of Taunton for years. It was demolished on April 10, 2024. The land will be used for the construction of a new home by Old Colony Habitat for Humanity.
The home, formerly at 5 Chester Court, was foreclosed and under ownership by the City of Taunton for years. It was demolished on April 10, 2024. The land will be used for the construction of a new home by Old Colony Habitat for Humanity.

Project timeline

Thomas said they hope to break ground on the project in July.  The completion time can vary based on the amount of volunteers available, but Thomas said it could take up to a year to complete.

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers to work on the home or to donate to the construction of the home.  Interested parties can go to the organization’s website or reach out to Executive Director Kim Thomas at dir@oldcolonyhabitat.org.

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Habitat for Humanity building first home in Taunton on Chester Court