209 - Creating Affordable Housing with Amy Belmore of Habitat for Humanity

Mark speaks with Amy Belmore, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth. They discuss the critical role of stable housing in improving quality of life, the mission and operations of Habitat for Humanity, the process of qualifying for homes, funding and building strategies, and the importance of community involvement through volunteering. Amy shares her journey to Habitat for Humanity, the significance of the ReStore as a social enterprise, and the lasting impact of their work on families and communities. Learn more and get involved at hfhplymouth.org! Takeaways Stable housing allows families to invest in better food and healthcare. Habitat for Humanity operates under the principle that everyone deserves a decent place to live. The organization uses volunteer labor to significantly reduce construction costs. Homeowners must contribute sweat equity hours to build their own homes. Habitat homes are deed restricted to maintain affordability for future generations. The ReStore sells donated items to fund Habitat for Humanity's building projects. Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity fosters community and personal connections. Habitat for Humanity has evolved from a grassroots effort to a global organization. The organization focuses on serving families earning 30-60% of the area median income. Community partnerships are essential for acquiring land and funding projects. Chapters 03:13 Understanding Habitat for Humanity 06:02 Qualifying for Habitat Homes 08:45 Funding and Building Homes 12:05 Acquisition of Land and Partnerships 15:02 Homeowner Responsibilities and Community Impact 17:51 Volunteer Engagement and Community Building 21:10 The Evolution of Habitat for Humanity 24:05 Amy Belmore's Journey to Habitat for Humanity 26:57 The ReStore: A Social Enterprise 29:46 Connecting with Habitat for Humanity 33:03 The Personal Impact of Volunteering Affiliate Links: Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.