A groundbreaking ceremony was held today (06/18/25) to launch Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s (OCHFH) next home build, to be constructed at 762 Washington Street in Franklin. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Franklin Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, State Senator Jeffrey Roy, and Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair.
The event was also attended by OCHFH Board of Directors and staff, local community members, as well as sponsors and representatives
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| group photo of Groundbreaking Ceremony (Old Colony photo) |
OCHFH was granted the property through a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Town of Franklin to acquire the former South Franklin Congregational Meeting House on Washington Street. This is a historic white church built in 1856 with imposing Doric columns. The property was deeded to the town of Franklin in 1972, and it has been unoccupied since 2007.
Over the next 12-18 months, the structure will be transformed into a single-family home occupying two floors. The historic value of this property will be honored as it is developed into a new home with complimentary landscaping, using volunteer labor and donated materials. The non-profit relies on monetary contributions and sponsorships, donated building and landscaping materials, and volunteer labor to contain the costs of each home build, which allows them to serve as many families as possible.
Before the ceremonial shovels dug the first holes in the ground, OCHFH CEO Kim Thomas stated, “We are so grateful to Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Select Board, and the Town of Franklin for their partnership and for providing this beautiful property, which will be shaped into a beautiful new home for a deserving family over the next year to a year and a half.”
Leveraging OCHFH expertise and collaboration with a selected family and community volunteers, the non-profit organization will transform the property into a beautiful, safe, and comfortable home for a deserving family. After a competitive application and selection process, the family selected for the home will be expected to pay a down payment, assume a mortgage, and contribute 250 hours of sweat equity labor toward the build – with the objective of providing a deserving family a “hand up” toward affordable home ownership.
Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator said, “I could not be more thrilled to have Habitat for Humanity join the Franklin Family. Many said this building should be knocked down. But due to the power of the Community Preservation Act and a community dedicated to preserving history and providing affordable housing, this is a project the community will cherish for generations."
The property will become a 2,128 square-foot single-family home occupying two floors and will house 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Thomas continued, "This important step would not be possible without the generous funding support from the CPC funds from the town of Franklin, the Community Health System Foundation, Bristol County Savings Bank, Plainridge Park Casino, Webster Bank, Bluestone Bank, Wood Palace Kitchens, Pinette Plumbing, O'Koren Electrical, ad Banner Enterprises. and Jeff Bragg, My Local Video. Their commitment to our mission has made it possible for us to move forward and begin the work of bringing new life to this cherished part of the Franklin community.”
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable housing to families in need. It currently serves 24 towns in Norfolk and Bristol counties, including Franklin.
