Old Colony Habitat For Humanity Seeking New Homeowners For Upcoming Project In Norton, MA

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce that it will soon break ground on its next homebuilding project in Norton, Massachusetts. Applications for families seeking affordable homeownership open July 15, 2026. 

Eligible first-time homebuyers are encouraged to review the qualifications on our website at https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/own-a-home/ and sign up to receive application information. The application period closes on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

“As we prepare to break ground in Norton, we are reminded that affordable homeownership is a critical foundation for long-term stability and opportunity,” said Kim Thomas, CEO of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. “This project reflects the strength of community partnership and the shared commitment of our volunteers, donors, and supporters to helping local families build brighter futures.”

“Every Habitat home is the result of a community coming together with a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Brenda McDonough, President of the Board of Directors for Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. “We are grateful to all of our supporters whose generosity makes projects like our Norton build possible.”

Habitat for Humanity partners with local families on the path to affordable homeownership, making the dream of owning a home possible for many first-time buyers. To be considered, applicants must live and/or work within Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s 24 cities and towns in Bristol and Norfolk County for at least one year and meet additional program qualifications. 

As Habitat Partner Families, selected homeowners work alongside volunteers by completing at least 250 hours of sweat equity—helping build their own home, supporting other Habitat projects, and participating in homeownership education. This hands-on partnership helps prepare families for successful homeownership while strengthening connections within the community. A down payment is also required.

Complete eligibility requirements are available on the Own a Home page of our website

Interested families can find more information on our website or contact us directly at family@oldcolonyhabitat.org. We look forward to beginning our next home build with a new Partner Family and seeing our community continue to flourish.

To learn how to support Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, visit https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/0-island-road-in-norton/

For more information about Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, visit https://linktr.ee/oldcolonyhabitat 

Mission: Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing in partnership with families in need. Together, we help families improve their housing locally and around the world while building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Historic Old South Church Given New Life Through Community Partnership

On Thursday, June 25, the Town of Franklin and Old Colony Habitat for Humanity celebrated the transformation of the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House, known as the Old South Church, into a permanently affordable single-family home. The historic landmark, which has stood in Franklin since 1856, welcomed the Marmol family as its first residents, marking a new chapter in the building's history.

What began in 2022 with the Town's effort to redevelop the historic property has become a lasting investment in Franklin's future. Through its partnership with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, the Town preserved an important piece of Franklin's history while creating a permanent affordable home where a family can build a future.

"When the Town began exploring the future of the Old South Church, we knew we had an opportunity to preserve one of Franklin's historic landmarks while creating a lasting benefit for our community," said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. "Thanks to our partnership with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, that vision became a reality. We're proud to welcome the Marmol family to Franklin and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for both this historic building and the family who now calls it home."

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity was selected through a competitive redevelopment process to lead the renovation with the support of volunteers, donors, local businesses, architects, contractors and community partners.

Following Habitat's homeowner selection process, the Marmol family, including a mother who works in Franklin, was selected to purchase the home. Like every Habitat homeowner, the family completed hundreds of hours of sweat equity alongside volunteers before receiving the keys to their new home. 

The home will remain deed-restricted as affordable housing in perpetuity, permanently expanding Franklin's affordable housing inventory while returning the historic property to productive residential use. The unit qualifies toward the Town’s Chapter 40B percentage. 

“When I first learned that we had been selected for Habitat for Humanity, it felt like a dream," said new homeowner Sally Marmol. "Standing in front of this beautiful home, that dream has finally become a reality. We are excited to become part of the Franklin community, to be good neighbors, and to give back whenever we can, just as so many people have given to us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, every volunteer, every sponsor, the Town of Franklin and everyone who believed in us. We promise to cherish this home and all that it represents."

The Town of Franklin extends its sincere gratitude to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity and the many volunteers, donors, businesses, architects, contractors and community partners whose collaboration helped bring this transformation to life.

“This project represents everything Habitat for Humanity stands for—bringing people together to create strength, stability and hope through homeownership," said Old Colony Habitat for Humanity CEO Kim Thomas. "We are incredibly grateful to the Town of Franklin, our sponsors, volunteers, tradespeople and community partners whose unwavering support made this extraordinary project possible. Transforming this historic building into a beautiful, welcoming home while preserving its incredible character has been a truly remarkable journey. The outpouring of generosity and collaboration has been inspiring, and we couldn’t be happier for the Marmol family as they begin this exciting new chapter in a home built with love, care and an entire community behind them.”

The Town proudly welcomes the Marmol family to Franklin and wishes them many years of happiness in their new home.

Additional photos courtesy of the Town of Franklin -

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cLnygiGLwJVGSUWm6

The Third Annual Presentation of the Mary C. Morrissey Olsson Historic Preservation Award has been made to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

The Mary C. Morrissey Olsson Historic Preservation Award was established in 2024 by the Franklin Historical Commission, in honor of former chairperson, Mary Olsson, who passed away in 2024, a tireless advocate for historic preservation,  as a non-monetary award to recognize an individual or organization that has made an important contribution to preserving, protecting, or communicating the history of Franklin.

By vote of the Commission, the third such award is being bestowed on Old Colony Habitat for Humanity for its imaginative embrace of historic preservation and adaptive reuse and for shepherding a challenging project to completion, namely the circa 1856 Old South Congregational Meeting House.  Donated to the town for use as a museum in the early 1970s, it served in that role until about 20 years ago and has since been vacant. A beautiful landmark was starting to succumb to the effects of time and climate and no one had succeeded in finding a way to properly preserve and reuse the structure. 

"Habitat for Humanity found a way and we hope this will be an example to others of what can be done with historic structures with a little imagination and grit," said Historical Commission Chair Alan R. Earls.

The former church is now an affordable, single-family home that will be maintained under a state supervised Historical Preservation Restriction, that will maintain the familiar look of the landmark building, while providing a family with a safe and modern dwelling in which to live. The structure will remain an affordable home in perpetuity.

More information about Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is available at https://oldcolonyhabitat.org

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, May 30, 2026 ???

Saturday, May 30

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:30am Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Final Franklin Open House (registration req'd) (Habitat For Humanity, 762 Washington St)

1:00pm Hairstyling Workshop for Grown-Ups & Kiddos! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Petite Prom! (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Suede Pumas (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

***  NO Town Meetings today   ***

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity shines their Volunteer Spotlight on Kim Mu-Chow

via Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

Volunteer Appreciation Spotlight 

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are so excited to kick off our very first spotlight with none other than the queen herself, Kim Mu-Chow! 💙

Kim Mu-Chow

Kim is the definition of dedicated, selfless, and joyful service. Whether she’s supporting her church community, serving on regional committees, rescuing and delivering food, or lending her time and talent to countless local organizations - Kim shows up with heart every single time. And we are so lucky she chooses to share that energy with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity!

From being inspired by Habitat’s mission to jumping right into our Franklin build, Kim has been all in - helping bring Sally’s home to life with passion and purpose.

When we asked about her favorite moments, it was clear just how much this experience means to her. 

Some moments include:

💫 Working side by side with Sally and her family

💫 Building connections at Women’s Build Day (and proving just how much can get done!)

💫 Watching the home transform with so much love poured into every detail

💫 And discovering a hidden talent - scraping anything and everything (even on her own 20-year-old label at home!)

Kim, thank you for your incredible generosity, your spirit, and the joy you bring to every build day. You truly make a difference, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our Habitat family. 

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CcLpY2e6B/

Old Colony Habitat - FINAL Franklin Open House scheduled for May 30

Please join us for our FINAL

Franklin Build Open House

on May 30,  2026

from 11 AM - 12:30 PM

After many requests to see this build one last time before the Marmol family moves in, we have made it official! We hope to see you on Saturday, May 30th, from 11 am-12:30 pm at 762 Washington Street.

Come see all of the incredible updates on this project, meet Sally and her children, and welcome them to the community! 

Don't forget to RSVP here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScy66ShBvCyhbgmoThNh8Crv8fG21KyCqWpLRENY_B5neHVYA/viewform

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our Mission: Dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing in partnership with families in need, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is all of us working together, partnering with families to improve their housing, both locally and around the world. Building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

Assonet, Attleboro, Bellingham, Berkley, Dighton, East Freetown,

Fall River, Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis,

Norfolk, North Attleboro, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth,

Seekonk, Swansea, Somerset, Taunton, and Wrentham

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity | PO Box 100 | Attleboro, MA 02703 US   https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/

Help Get Old Colony Habitat for Humanity to the Finish Line!

Your donation will get the Marmol Family in their Home by this Summer

DONATE HERE While we have come a long way in terms of fundraising, we still need to raise $40,000 to reach our goal by May 31st.  We've appreciated your volunteerism, financial donations, and gifts of talent and services. It has meant the world to us. Thank you! Sally Marmol and her three children will move into their new home in Franklin in a short two months. We all look forward to handing her keys to her home. Stay tuned for the Home Dedication announcement in the coming weeks. Please help make Sally's home possible by clicking here. Any amount helps, but at this crucial moment, we are asking those who can consider a, particularly generous contribution to ensure we reach our goal. Thank you for helping make homeownership possible for Sally and all of our Habitat families. Our Mission Dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing in partnership with families in need, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is all of us working together, partnering with families to improve their housing, both locally and around the world. Building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Thank you for all your support; be sure to follow our social media profiles (linked below) so you can always be up to date on all things Old Colony Habitat for Humanity! Towns and Cities We Serve Assonet, Attleboro, Bellingham, Berkley, Dighton, East Freetown, Fall River, Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Swansea, Somerset, Taunton, and Wrentham

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity | PO Box 100 | Attleboro, MA 02703 US

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, March 28, 2026 ???

Saturday, March 28

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am    Volunteer Income Tax Preparation with VITA (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am No Kings Rally (Franklin Town Common)

10:30am Buddy The Brain - reading, book signing (Tatnuck Bookseller)

10:30am    Weekend Wiggles!  (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Community Open House (762 Washington St)

11:30am No Kings Rally (i495 & RT 140, Franklin)

1:00pm Painting for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Party for The Pantry (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm James Keelaghan (ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

 

*** NO  Town Meetings today   ***

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Old Colony Habitat For Humanity Hosts Women Build Day For Women’s History Month

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity of Raynham, MA, hosted its third annual Women Build Day this Saturday, 21 March.

Over 30 volunteers gathered at our current build site at 762 Washington Street, Franklin, MA, to support the project as it enters its final stages.

Women Build Day For Women’s History Month

Habitat for Humanity International has supported Women Build efforts and volunteers since 1991. Globally, women are significantly more likely to experience housing insecurity. The Women Build initiative provides women with the opportunity to be proactive in aiding their communities, promoting agency and empowerment. As a woman-led Habitat affiliate, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is proud to be a part of this program and thankful to all the women who have offered their support to our mission.

Our current project in Franklin is converting the former South Franklin Congregational Meeting House into a beautiful home for Sally Marmol and her children. Sally is a strong woman and mother who has worked tirelessly to support her family and become a homeowner. Her effort and determination inspire us to work alongside her in our mission to build hope, homes, and communities. We look forward to the Marmol family’s move-in, expected this upcoming June.

“Yesterday’s Annual Women’s Build Day was truly inspiring,” said Brenda McDonough, Board President and event sponsor. “Seeing more than 35 women come together–bringing their strength, skills, and heart–to support Old Colony Habitat for Humanity and the Marmol family in Franklin was incredible. This day is a powerful reminded of what happens when women unite with a shared purpose and community.”

Kimberly Thomas, CEO of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, says, “My heart is full after such an incredible day. Women’s Build is one of the most meaningful traditions we have at Old Colony Habitat. To see so many women show up–supporting one another, lifting up the Marmol family, and creating something lasting together–was simply amazing. This is what community is all about.”

To learn more about how Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program has helped support and empower women across the country, visit: https://www.habitat.org/stories/power-women-build.

For more information about Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, visit: https://linktr.ee/oldcolonyhabitat.

Mission: Dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing in partnership with families in need, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is all of us working together, partnering with families to improve their housing, locally and around the world. Building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Old Colony shares the Franklin Family Amazon wish list

via Old Colony Habitat for Humanity:

Old Colony shares the Franklin Family Amazon wish list

We’re excited to share that new items have been added to the Marmol Family’s Amazon Wishlist!  As they prepare for this next chapter, your support means more than words can express.

If you’d like to help turn their house into a home, you can view and shop the wish list at the link below. Every item, big or small, makes a difference. 

Wish list link - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3HAVZNC8C90UT

Current home build - https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/762-washington-street-franklin-ma/

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BMv35tHkg/

Cars For Homes Program Helps Build Affordable Housing

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program is seeking donations of vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, RV’s, SUV’s, boats, motorcycles, and more. The “Cars for Homes” program, launched by Habitat for Humanity International in 2005, turns vehicles into cash to help build affordable housing in our local communities. In the last five years, communities from across the United States have donated over $72 million.

Cars for Homes is part of Habitat’s dedication to providing families with safe, affordable housing. Vehicles need not be running but must be intact and have inflated tires to be towed by our operators. Donated vehicles are resold with all proceeds going towards supporting our communities.

Donation is quick and easy and at no cost. Individuals may qualify for a tax deduction.

As we continue our current Home Build in Franklin, MA, we encourage our service area communities to consider vehicle donations to help support the project. A recent donor, Mary Montione, and her children Jimmy and Rachel of Mansfield, MA donated a van to Old Colony Habitat in January of 2026. 

Montione stated, “Our van holds many happy memories, and I was thrilled to donate it to OCHH. Although I’m on a tight budget, I believe in contributing what I can, when I can. It always saddens me to see people struggle with housing. I hope this small gift helps support someone’s journey toward the security, stability, and joy of having a home and being part of a caring community”.

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity supports families in 24 local cities and towns in Bristol and Norfolk counties. We are in the process of converting the former South Franklin Congressional Meeting House into the next Habitat home. Vehicle donations will directly support the construction costs of this project and other homes. The current Home Build is expected to be completed in June 2026.

To learn more about the Cars for Homes donation program or to donate a vehicle to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, visit our webpage here: Cars for Homes - Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, or call our hotline at 1-877-277-4344 to begin the easy and free process of donating your car.

For more information about Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, visit https://linktr.ee/oldcolonyhabitat.

Mission:

Dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing in partnership with families in need, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is all of us working together, partnering with families to improve their housing, locally and around the world. Building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter

Ready to Make a Difference? Become an Old Colony Habitat for Humanity Volunteer.

Sign up for our Volunteer Orientation

SIGN UP FOR OUR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION  Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we'd love for you to be part of it! If you've ever been curious about volunteering with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, our upcoming Volunteer Orientation is the perfect place to start. This virtual session will walk you through who we are, how our volunteer program works, and the many ways you can get involved, whether you're interested in building, helping behind the scenes, or supporting special events. Our Volunteer Orientation is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn what to expect on a build day, and see how your time and talents can help make affordable homeownership possible right here in our community. Questions? Please email katherine@oldcolonyhabitat.org Volunteer Orientation Details: 📅 Saturday, March 7, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM 📍 Via Zoom (link will be sent before the session) ⏱ Approximately 45–60 minutes Please RSVP by March 4 here Our Mission: Dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing in partnership with families in need, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is all of us working together, partnering with families to improve their housing, both locally and around the world. Building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA (CLICK LINKS ABOVE!) COMMUNITIES WE SERVE Assonet, Attleboro, Bellingham, Berkley, Dighton, East Freetown, Fall River, Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Swansea, Somerset, Taunton, and Wrentham

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity | PO Box 100 | Attleboro, MA 02703 US