In 1987, a group of volunteers in Dorchester came together with the goal of addressing the neighborhood’s need for more affordable housing. Despite many hurdles, they eventually accomplished their goal of serving three families by completing construction on a cluster of homes at Dorchester Terrace. Along the way, this group reorganized to become Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston.

Thirty-five years later, Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston continues to rise to the occasion of improving the lives of hardworking families through access to affordable homeownership. To date, the affiliate has completed 122 homes, serving 635 individuals across 26 towns and cities throughout Greater Boston.

A lot has changed in the past 35 years. In response to the ever-present need for affordable homeownership, Habitat Greater Boston has evolved into a sustainable, staff-run, and donor- and volunteer-supported organization. Since the first three homes were built, the affiliate has constructed 119 more, and plans to continue to grow both in quantity – 30 more homes are planned for the coming years – and in our footprint.

Habitat Greater Boston has five units underway in Malden and will break ground on six more units in Weston, four homes in Roslindale, and seven in Dorchester in early 2023. By expanding beyond the city, Habitat will increase its impact and address the need for affordable housing through the Greater Boston area.

In 2010, we opened the ReStore, our retail outlet, which has become a must-visit destination for community members, thrifters, and many of our partner families who are furnishing their new homes. Today, we have a dynamic construction operation, administrative offices, and a comprehensive, full-service homeownership program offering partner families financial education and continued support.

Habitat Greater Boston shares this moment with our donors, volunteers, and mission ambassadors. Here’s to another 35 years of helping our neighbors!