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Generous supporters, staff, volunteers, and a soon-to-be homeowner gathered this week to celebrate Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston’s successful 2023 Building with Humanity fundraising campaign.

Funds raised during the three-month campaign will directly help the organization expand and accelerate production of critical affordable homeownership opportunities amid the region’s severe housing crisis.

“You are the heart and soul of what Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston is,” President and CEO Jim Kostaras told the crowd at the Westin Copley Place in Boston. “Together, we can achieve our mission of building affordable homes for hardworking families in our community.”

The more than three-dozen homes currently in Habitat Greater Boston’s pipeline represent a significant increase in housing production from just a few years ago, Jim said. The projects include two homes nearing completion in Mission Hill, five under construction in Malden, and upcoming sites in Dorchester, Roslindale, and Weston.

“We need to be building more – we’re in a crisis,” he said, adding that the organization received more than 80 applications for five affordable homes being built in Malden. “The need is there.”

The event was the first in-person celebration with supporters since 2019, offering an opportunity for many new staff members and supporters to connect face to face.

A highlight of the event was a showing of a video featuring Habitat Greater Boston homeowners Stephen and Arlene. After years of struggling to keep up with ever-increasing rent and being unable to find an affordable home, they partnered with Habitat Greater Boston and gained security, stability, and valuable skills helping to build their own house.

“Habitat made it possible for us,” Arlene says in the video.

With continued commitment from donors, volunteers, staff, and partner families, Habitat Greater Boston can help many more families like Stephen and Arlene, Jim said.

“We want to meet the challenge,” he said. “We have our work cut out for us, but we’re going to do it with your support.”

Visit the 2023 Building with Humanity event page to see a full list of the event sponsors or to make a donation to the campaign.