Habitat Greater Boston’s first-ever construction vehicle is ready to roll, making it easier than ever to get staff and materials to sites throughout the region where we’re building affordable homes for hardworking families.

The brand-new Ford F-150 hybrid was purchased with a grant from a local charitable organization. The truck made its debut with a recent visit to Main Street in Malden, where volunteers were busy working on five homes.

Having a construction truck isn’t about riding in style, said Director of Construction and Real Estate Development Gerry Patton. It’s an essential tool to help expand and accelerate Habitat Greater Boston’s production of affordable homes amid the region’s mounting housing crisis.

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The truck will save an estimated $25,000 in its first year, including eliminating fees and staff time spent on coordinating deliveries and vehicle rentals, reimbursing staff for using their personal vehicles, and better fuel efficiency.

“Having a hybrid truck of our own allows us to quickly, reliably, and sustainably transport materials and staff between our sites more efficiently than ever before,” Gerry said. “That’s less time and money spent sitting in traffic or on the phone and more time doing what we’re here to do – build affordable homes.”

Habitat Greater Boston is currently building seven homes in Malden and Boston’s Mission Hill neighborhood. Upcoming projects include homes in Dorchester, Roslindale, and Weston.

In its grant application, Habitat Greater Boston specifically sought funding for a hybrid truck as part of the organization’s commitment to sustainability and investing in the future of the communities we serve.

“Having a dedicated construction vehicle is a big step for us and it’s been a long time coming,” President and CEO Jim Kostaras said. “We’ve set high goals for building affordable homes for families who need them, and this will help us achieve them.”