Habitat For Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay Breaks Ground on New House in Providence

The new construction has been made possible with the financial support of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the City of Providence

Providence, RI (March 6, 2023) – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay will host a groundbreaking ceremony on March 6, 2023 at 12:45 PM for the construction of a new home at 273 Bucklin Street. The ceremony will mark the beginning of a new chapter for a local family who will partner with Habitat for Humanity to build and purchase an affordable, safe, and decent home.

The groundbreaking ceremony will include remarks from local officials, sponsors, and representatives from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign a commemorative board that will be installed in the new home.

“We are thrilled to break ground on this new home and to partner with a local family to help them achieve their dream of homeownership,” said Amanda Heinsen, Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay. “This home will not only provide a safe and stable living environment for the family, but it will also have a positive impact on the entire community.”

Thanks to the generosity of key funders including Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the City of Providence we are able to make significant progress towards our mission of creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Each organization is committing $75,000 to help cover the costs of building materials, permits, and other essential expenses, making it possible for us to break ground on the new home. Blue Cross employees will also volunteer their time twice a month on build days over the next seven months until the home is complete.

“Blue Cross is excited to continue our partnership with Habitat for Humanity in such a meaningful way,” said BCBSRI Managing Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Carolyn Belisle. “We have a vision to improve health and well-being by leading access to high quality, affordable and equitable care for all Rhode Islanders. Housing is a critical foundation of good health; one we know leads to better outcomes on every front for Rhode Island families. Our colleagues are eager to continue the work on building this home!”

Blue Cross and the City’s investment in Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay is a clear investment in the future of our community. This new home will provide a safe and stable living environment for a local family, and will have a positive impact on the entire community. We are grateful for their partnership in making this possible.

The new home will be built in partnership with the future homeowner, who will contribute 350 hours of sweat equity towards the construction of the home. The homeowner will also receive financial and homeownership education and support to help them prepare for successful homeownership.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay is a nonprofit organization that works to build and improve homes in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. The organization relies on the support of volunteers, donors, and community partners to achieve its mission.

For more information on the groundbreaking ceremony or to learn how to get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay, please contact Mark Kravatz at [email protected] or 401-954-3202.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence

Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence (HabitatPVD) has been an independently chartered affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the largest non-profit homebuilder globally. Our mission is dedicated to building decent, affordable housing with families that live in substandard and unaffordable housing and to make the need for affordable, safe, healthy, and efficient shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence knows first-hand that a decent home provides the strength, stability, and independence that Individuals need to thrive. HabitatPVD’s current strategy to fulfill its mission includes a first-time affordable homeownership program, a home repair and performance program, contractor incubator,  and a home performance training institute.