April 2021 Dedication ceremony
Congratulations to the Castro family, whose new Springfield home was completed in April 2021. On April 21, a dedication ceremony was held and guests were invited to witness the event on Facebook Live. See below for more images from the day.
About the build.
This home is the result of a collaboration between Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity and the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, through the city’s HOME funds. Construction began in November 2019. Since that time, more than 200 volunteers and a considerable amount of youth engagement from AmeriCorps NCCC teams, other volunteer groups, including Community Works, International Women Build Week event, and students from local colleges helped complete this project.
The event.
City of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno fist bumps new homeowner Ana Castro as she arrives to the ceremony with her youngest children.
The Castro family, including Ana and her youngest four children walk toward the house to begin the dedication ceremony.
City of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno speaks to the Castro family at the dedication event.
Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Family Services Manager Deborah O'Mara gives new homeowner Ana Castro a cross during the dedication ceremony.
The Rhododendron presentation to new homeowner Ana Castro and her children. The flowering plants are given to Ana from Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity in memory of Ana's two oldest children who have since passed away.
The first plaque recognizes "Ray," Ana's first-born son.
The second plaque honors "Alysha" who passed away in 2020.
New homeowner Ana Castro speaks during the ceremony to thank Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) for the flowering bushes, recognize volunteers for their time and thank GSHFH for the opportunity to become a part of the program.
Melvin Coleman, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors member and Boundless Love Impact Ministries pastor, prays over the family.
Guests, including AmeriCorps NCCC Maple 4 team (dressed in gray cargo pants and white tops) watch the ceremony.
Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Aimee Giroux closes the ceremony by congratulating new homeowner Ana Castro on her efforts and dedication to the program.
Ana Castro and her family lead the way inside their new home, inviting guests in to look around.
People, including City of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Aimee Giroux, TV and newspaper reporters, and Castro family members, gather in the entrance way of the new house after the dedication ceremony.
WWLP Channel 22 News interviews new homeowner Ana Castro and her family.
WWLP Channel 22 News interviews City of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno after the ceremony.
From left: Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Aimee Giroux stands with AmeriCorps NCCC Maple 4 team members and City of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno after the dedication ceremony.
A table with refreshments to celebrate the occasion.
A tour of the house.
Front of the house
Front of the house from an angle.
Back of the house.
View from entry way. Open floor plan, kitchen with an island.
View from kitchen to entry way
Front room
Pantry
Full downstairs bathroom
Downstairs bedroom
Stairs to second floor
Upstairs full bathroom
One of the upstairs bedrooms
Another of the upstairs bedrooms. There are three bedrooms on the second floor.
