Press release submitted by Rollstone Bank & Trust
Rollstone Bank & Trust today announced it has donated $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (Habitat NCM) to support its Critical Repair Program to help families living in affordable homes in the Leominster/Fitchburg area.
The Critical Home Repair Program helps low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain the integrity of their homes and addresses the health and safety of the residences in a neighborhood, strengthening the community and preserving the affordable housing stock.
“We’re proud to support Habitat and its work to enrich our communities and support our neighbors who may be struggling,” said Martin F. Connors, Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “We feel an immense responsibility to the welfare of our communities and are overjoyed to help people who depend on these homes.”
The funds from this grant will be used to purchase construction materials and cover the cost of a construction manager for critical home repair projects, including changing or repairing siding and roofs, modifications for accessibility including ramps, floor repair, window replacement, insulation and updates to meet city codes. The purchased raw materials will be used by volunteers, including RBT employees, to perform repairs on affordable homes this spring.
“We seek to serve even more families by offering critical home repair assistance to additional residents in the Fitchburg-Leominster area. Helping low income homeowners maintain the safety and comfort of their homes through critical home repairs is a fundamental part of our mission,” said Carolyn Read, Executive Director for Habitat NCM. “We have been actively meeting with regional social service agencies and town government officials to ensure that local, low-incoming homeowners know they have a place to turn for help with these critical home repairs.”
Habitat programs have a deep and lasting impact on the families they serve, which provides an immediate and life changing benefit. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to pay Habitat North Central Massachusetts zero-percent interest loan for the home and invest sweat equity of eight hours per $1,000 of loan amount on the construction of the home.
Carolyn Read, Executive Director for Habitat NCM receives a ceremonial $10,000 check from Martin F. Connors, Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust for the Critical Home Repair Program. (Courtesy photo)
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
In 1846, we were a pioneer community bank. Today, we’re still pioneering in Central Massachusetts with new banking ideas and good old-fashioned personal service. Our dedication to providing customers with superior personal banking and commercial financial products, and the support they need to prosper at work and at home, has enabled us to build one of the most trusted banks in the region. A Federally Chartered Mutual Savings Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust offers a wide range of banking services through a network of branches conveniently located throughout Fitchburg, and in Leominster, Harvard, and Townsend. We also have a loan and wealth management office in Worcester and a lending center in Fitchburg. Rollstone Bank & Trust is FDIC insured, Member DIF, an Equal Housing Lender, and an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (Habitat NCM) is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a 501©3 nonprofit housing organization that works to strengthen families and communities through affordable homeownership opportunities. Habitat NCM works in partnership with foundations, corporations, community groups, faith-based organizations, individual volunteers and partner families to secure communities with people in need by building and renovating simple, decent, energy efficient, affordable home throughout our service area. We believe homeownership is a vital step to help families break the cycle of poverty and restore home in communities.