Steve and Susan Howell, principals of Lawrence’s Howell Custom Building Group, have joined the board of directors for the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.

Steve Howell has experience building homes that are both sustainable and energy-efficient, which align with Habitat’s mission to make their houses as "green" as possible, according to a statement. He has been designated by the National Association of Home Builders as a certified green professional for possessing the knowledge of the best strategies for incorporating green building principals into homes.

"For these homeowners, the construction technology and techniques really matter," said Howell. "It means more affordable heating bills and healthier air quality than most of these families have experienced before."
Susan Howell is working with the organization to inform the public about Habitat’s mission and to promote the new ReStore. The resale outlet will sell reusable and surplus building materials to the public and all proceeds will help fund the construction of Habitat homes within the community, while promoting reuse and recycling.

"Steve and I are both thrilled to contribute our time and respective areas of expertise to the organization," said Susan Howell. "In our own business, we build high-end custom homes. Working with Habitat allows us to serve families who otherwise would not be able to afford a really well-built home, and that feels really good."

Since 1985, the Merrimack Valley affiliate has built 64 homes and rehabbed 7 homes in Lawrence and surrounding communities for people in need of safe, decent, affordable housing. The homes are sold at cost and with no-interest mortgages to low-income families who spend hundreds of hours helping to build their own or another Habitat house.

Fourteen local homes are currently under construction or in the pipeline.