Habitat for Humanity nears completion of new housing project with $15,000 grant

OLD TOWN, Maine — Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor is nearing completion of a new affordable housing project in Old Town after receiving a $15,000 foundation grant from Wells Fargo. 

But the organization still needs help from the community to finish the three condominiums on Perkins Avenue — two of which have already sold, the organization said Sept. 29. Properties are sold to prescreened homeowners based on their financial means. The buyers also often volunteer to help build their own homes. 

Along with donations, the organization said it hopes more community members will step up to volunteer to help finish building the homes so families can move in this fall.  

“We like to say that we offer a hand up, not a hand out,” Dustin Smiley, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor’s board president said. “We have seen first-hand how access to an affordable mortgage or loan can help homeowners save more, focus more intently on education and family, and feel more financially secure.” 

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor nears completion of three new condominiums in Old Town. (Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor)

The funding is part of a larger $8.1 million donation from the Wells Fargo Foundation to Habitat for Humanity International to support the construction, renovation and repair of affordable homes across the United States. 

“Housing affordability is both an economic and humanitarian crisis that’s taking a toll on millions of people. This is never more true than during a pandemic. Safe and stable housing enables people to build upon the rest of their life and, together, we can shift the narrative to help others in our community understand that, and take action,” Katy Wood, business risk and control senior associate at Wells Fargo, said. 

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor has helped build 25 homes and repair or weatherize many more in the community throughout the past 30 years, the organization said. “Hundreds of local families have acquired the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to build healthier, more financially stable lives. That has only been possible with support from individual donations and business supporters like Wells Fargo,” Smiley said.

People can learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor or make a donation via the organization’s website.