Local giving. Lasting change.

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) operates much like other nonprofits — with ambitious goals, growing needs, and limited resources. What makes us unique is our scale: a four-person full-time team managing daily operations, programs that benefit our partner families, donor engagement, and construction efforts across our service area. Community support isn’t just appreciated — it’s what makes this work possible.

Jennifer, a Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity homeowner, beams as she holds up a key to her new home.

Greater Springfield Habitat manages two programs — homeownership and home preservation — serving families across Hampden County. While our expenses currently exceed revenue by $27,000, and individual donations account for 13% of our income, this gap represents an opportunity for our community to strengthen and sustain this vital work.

“When you donate directly to GSHFH, your impact is exponential,” said Michael Clemente, vice president of the Greater Springfield Habitat Board of Directors. “Local donations stay right here. We prioritize keeping our operating costs low to ensure every dollar maximizes its impact within our community.” Even with these challenges, Greater Springfield Habitat continues to build two to three new homes annually, while completing multiple home repair projects across Hampden County. Three new construction projects are in development for 2026.

“I’ve always been a fan of the ‘octopus’ partner concept that leads to a finished home — the many hands, including Habitat for Humanity, the donors of every size, the volunteers and the eventual owners,” said Kevin Bowler, new GSHFH volunteer. “As a believer in the value of building familial wealth, any time a neighbor can have the opportunity for that brought into their reach, I’m a fan.”

In June 2025, GSHFH sold a colonial home in Springfield to a Moroccan family of six.

“This house represents stability for us,” said new homeowner Driss. “It will allow us to focus on raising our children and helping them achieve their goals, so they can grow and contribute positively to society.”

In December 2025, the affiliate celebrated the completion of construction on a modular home. The project was a collaboration between Holyoke Housing Authority (HHA), the University of Massachusetts DesignBuild program, and GSHFH.

“We at the Housing Authority are always excited to see vacant parcels become homes, particularly at a time when there’s a huge demand in the Commonwealth for good housing,” said Matt Mainville, HHA executive director, at the dedication. “… we also recognize housing resources are limited, dollars for development are hard to acquire. So, when we’re able to partner with Habitat, UMass, and the City, it’s always a recipe for success.”

The work we’re doing today is meaningful — but it represents just a fraction of what’s possible. With greater local investment and engagement, Greater Springfield Habitat could expand our programs, serve more families, and bring our board’s long-term vision for affordable housing to life.

Michael said if the affiliate had an abundance of resources, he’d like to see old mill buildings in Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield, Westfield, and Ludlow converted into housing.

“These larger spaces would allow us to support dozens of families at once. Commercial developers often struggle with abatement costs and regulations. GSHFH is uniquely positioned to secure grant funding and navigate these processes. It’s a long-term goal that could truly transform our community. The first step is funding.”

Greater Springfield Habitat hosts a variety of community-friendly fundraisers throughout the year, bringing together supporters of all ages to celebrate, connect, and invest in affordable housing in Hampden County. Most recently was the Pickleball Tournament on March 29 at The Picklr in Westfield.

Supporters can also participate in Hops for Habitat — an ongoing partnership with local breweries that allows craft beer enthusiasts to give back while enjoying their favorite pours. Learn more at habitatspringfield.org/hops-for-habitat. We continue to offer our popular, Habitat-themed in-house designed dress socks for purchase (habitatspringfield.org/socks), and our signature fall fundraiser, Habitat Family Fun Fest, will return this October.

Throughout the year, we also host bingo nights, raffles, and other fun opportunities for community participation. Every event — big or small — helps build and preserve homes for families across Hampden County. Every gift makes a local impact. To support our work, visit habitatspringfield.org/donate