Old Colony Habitat for Humanity Welcomes the Marmol Family as Future Homeowners in Franklin

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce that the Marmol Family has been selected as the future homeowners of our current build at 762 Washington Street in Franklin.

Sally Marmol, a proud mother to Amelia (13), Evani (12), and Jonathon (10), grew up in Fall River and now works right here in Franklin. For Sally, owning a home represents much more than a roof over their heads — it means stability, security, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Marmol Family has been selected
as the future homeowners

“For my children and me, this home means so much more than words can describe,” said Sally Marmol. “We are so excited to become part of the Franklin community — to live, work, and grow here. I can’t wait to give back and be part of the fabric of this wonderful town that has already made us feel so welcome.”

Located at 762 Washington Street, the Franklin home is a beautiful 2,128-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath historic rehabilitation project. The restored home blends the charm of its original character with modern updates, creating a safe and comfortable space for the Marmol family to thrive.

“We are overjoyed for Sally and her family,” said Kimberly Thomas,

CEO of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. “This project has been a true labor of love — transforming a historic Franklin house into a beautiful, modern home where the Marmol family can build lasting memories. It’s a wonderful example of what happens when a community comes together to create affordable housing opportunities.”

Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We’re proud to support Old Colony Habitat for Humanity in bringing this meaningful project to life. The Washington Street home not only preserves an important piece of Franklin’s history but also gives a deserving family the opportunity to build their future here. The Marmol family will be a wonderful addition to our community, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to Franklin.”

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity extends heartfelt thanks to the Town of Franklin for its partnership and support throughout the project. The build represents not only the organization’s mission to provide affordable housing, but also the spirit of collaboration that makes communities stronger.

Together, we’re building homes, hope, and a stronger community.

  

Let’s join in congratulating the Marmol family and cheering them on as

they take this exciting step toward their new home!

Talk Franklin: an update on the Old Colony Habitat for Humanity project at the South Meeting House (video)

I had the opportunity to sit in the Franklin TV Studio recently with Kimberly Thomas, CEO, of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity and Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. 

We talked about the progress at the South Meeting House. There will be a lottery selection later this year to award the house to a family.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K_jkKjSJTA

signs of work underway at the South Meeting House

work on the columns is underway at the South Meeting House

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity opens Family Service Applications August 15

Big news coming August 15!

Family Service Applications will be opening for our home build in Franklin August 15th. At Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, we believe in affordable housing for everyone — and we give a hand-up, not a hand out.

"Habitat partner family/families are selected based on the following guidelines and level of need as determined by: In order to qualify for our homeowner program, applicants must 

(a) have a need for safe and decent housing;  

(b) have lived or worked in our service area for at least a year; 

(c) attend homeownership / financial management seminars at our offices;  

(d) meet the HUD median income guidelines;  

(e) have secure employment, good credit, legal residency, no felony convictions, and no more than one misdemeanor;  

(f) be able to pay a down payment;  

(g) demonstrate an ability to pay a mortgage on time, in full, each month;  

(h) willing to partner with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity by completing the required sweat equity. The requirement is 250 hours of sweat equity hours."

Learn more here: https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/home-ownership/

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity opens Family Service Applications August 15

You may have the skills to help renovate the Old South Meeting House

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is transforming Franklin’s historic Old South Meeting House, located at 762 Washington Street, into a beautiful single-family home for a local family in need.

We are seeking local contractors, skilled tradespeople, and suppliers to join us on this meaningful project. Your contribution of labor, materials, or expertise will help preserve a piece of history while building a brighter future for a deserving family.

Please join us in giving new life to an old landmark and a new beginning to a deserving family!

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/whats-happening-with-south-franklin.html

Contact:

Steven Manni

Old Colony Habitat for

Humanity Construction Lead

📧 smmanni@gmail.com

View the brief video ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CJ5sh7sQp/

The ground breaking ceremonies were held on June 18, 2025 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/groundbreaking-ceremony-held-for-old.html

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s New Home Build in Franklin

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

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.”

To help with the project or donate please email dir@oldcolonyhabitat.org

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.

Reminder: Old Colony Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser on October 26 at Lake Pearl

"Join Old Colony Habitat for Humanity at our 2023  Sip, Savor & Celebrate Wine Tasting fundraiser to benefit the building of decent and affordable housing for families in need. The event will be held from 6 to 9 PM on October 26 at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. 

There will additionally be a silent auction, a wine-cork pull, and a raffle for a 2-night stay in Newport RI. Appetizers and desserts will also be provided. 

Event tickets are $75 and raffle tickets are $50. Attendance not required to enter the raffle. 

To purchase tickets or make a general donation please visit: https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/2023-wine-tasting/  We hope to see you there!"

 

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity schedules Fundraiser for October 26 at Lake Pearl

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity schedules Fundraiser for October 26 at Lake Pearl

"Join Old Colony Habitat for Humanity at our 2023  Sip, Savor & Celebrate Wine Tasting fundraiser to benefit the building of decent and affordable housing for families in need. The event will be held from 6 to 9 PM on October 26 at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. 

There will additionally be a silent auction, a wine-cork pull, and a raffle for a 2-night stay in Newport RI. Appetizers and desserts will also be provided. 

Event tickets are $75 and raffle tickets are $50. Attendance not required to enter the raffle. 

To purchase tickets or make a general donation please visit: https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/2023-wine-tasting/  We hope to see you there!"

 

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity schedules Fundraiser for October 26 at Lake Pearl

State Representative Roy: What's happening - September 2021 Newsletter

View this email in your browser Your support is greatly appreciated! Thank you I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who attended my event on September 8 in Franklin. It was an amazing evening and I am so grateful we could all reconnect in person. It was a treat turning 60 with so many of you present. You can view photos from the night by clicking here. I have some people that I need to thank for all their efforts and support. Thanks to the whole team at La Cantina Winery for hosting us at their beautiful outdoor space. I also want to thank the team at The Rome Restaurant for providing, as always, such delicious food. I would also like to thank Dr. Michael Walker-Jones, Jennifer Knight, Tom Mercer, Mike Doherty, Representative Mike Soter, Congressman Jake Auchincloss, and Majority Leader Claire Cronin for giving such thoughtful and kind remarks. I am honored and humbled by their friendship and support over the years. If you haven't had a chance to donate towards the event yet, and you want to support our 2022 campaign, you can do so by clicking here. Thank you all again for coming. I couldn't have spent my 60th birthday with better people. I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Jeff Energy/recycling event in Franklin We had a very successful Recycling and Energy Event in Franklin. Over 300 cars were served and over 100 dehumidifiers were delivered in exchange for $30 and a rebate on a new purchase. The program typically brings in 1,600 dehumidifiers annually across the state, and we did 100 in just one day. We also collected four truckloads of furniture for Habitat for Humanity and two truckloads of electronics for recycling. And we had folks from Eversource and Mass Save sign up several customers for energy savings repairs in their homes. It was a great way to help fight climate change and reduce energy costs. Many thanks to Fred Cullen at Green Team Junk Removal, Marcie Rappa, National Grid, EverSource, MassSave, Habitat for Humanity, and the Town of Franklin for helping put it all together and make it a success. And thank you to the residents for helping save the planet by showing up and turning in your unused goods and and giving them new life. Copyright (C) 2021 State Rep Jeff Roy. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 43 Boston, MA 02133 The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of contents, follow this link ->  https://mailchi.mp/4ef97d58f1fd/whats-happening-september-2021-newsletter?

Habitat for Humanity presentation (audio)

The Franklin Town Council hears presentation from the Old Colony Habitat for Humanity which just expanded their scope to include Franklin and Bellingham.

Time: 25 minutes, 12 seconds



MP3 File