Martine Taylor

The cost of housing across the South Shore continues to be a serious challenge for young people and families at lower income levels. The steep rise in housing costs along with an all-time low inventory has priced many families and individuals out of the housing market. 

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has taken on the call for affordable housing through its South Shore Economic Development 2030 Housing report that forecasts the economic effects of our region’s growth. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council shows that even a modest economic growth of 1 percent would require the South Shore to add 44,000 homes, condominiums and apartments by 2030 over the baseline of 2010. By 2030, the South Shore’s population is projected to grow by 19,000 but the over 65 population could double with the number of households headed by seniors increasing from 24 percent of the total to 37 percent. 

They conclude that much more must be done to accommodate younger workers, families and the generation between their early 20s to mid-30s. This is a demographic that is: still growing into its peak earnings; highly entrepreneurial; eager to start and grow innovative businesses and are needed to take on civic and business leadership roles in the coming decades. 

Everyone views housing as a serious issue and often it is seen as urban, not suburban, when in fact it is both. New ideas and new ways of doing things are needed as solutions. Local governments and businesses alike will fail to attract and retain the employees they need if there is not affordable housing available to individuals and families. 

Communities across the South Shore are partnering with South Shore Habitat for Humanity to solve the affordable housing problem. More and more communities are looking at land that falls outside of the usual zoning regulations to find new locations for the homes they will build.  As an example, the partnership between the town of Duxbury and South Shore Habitat for Humanity has resulted in the first construction of a multiunit Habitat development in the town. Construction is slated to begin in March on the six-unit development on Temple Street, comprised of three duplexes. South Shore Habitat for Humanity is working in partnership with the town of Duxbury’s Affordable Housing Trust. 

Fostering Partnerships 

Along with local governments, we need more private companies who will partner with us to bring more homes to the community. Earlier this year, Cape Cod Lumber and South Shore Habitat announced a multiyear citizenship initiative, aimed to build awareness and funds for the nonprofit organization, which practices a philosophy of “a hand up, not a handout.” Over the next 12 months, teams of Cape Cod Lumber employees will swap their daily routines for hammers and spend the day building a new home in Duxbury, just one of many engagement activities that will be made available to Cape Cod Lumber folks. 

For private businesses, this can be a very natural fit. Not only do the employee volunteers spend a day upright and active and get a healthy feeling of accomplishment, while helping to raise awareness and do something about the growing lack of affordable housing within Massachusetts.  

Public-private partnerships and community organizations can partner to help advance the cause of housing. It is in the best interest for local governments, businesses and communities to support housing initiatives; housing is an economic driver. Individuals, companies and civic and religious organizations can partner with South Shore Habitat for Humanity and invest in their own people, and their community, by donating their time, talent and financial capital.  

Companies like Cape Cod Lumber, and its leadership, can contribute throughout the year, raising money, supporting the organization’s fundraising events and promoting awareness among its customers and corporate partners.   

In 31 years, South Shore Habitat for Humanity has completed 57 homes in 21 towns, helping more than 102 adults and 200 children build a place to call home. South Shore Habitat for Humanity was founded in Norwell in 1986 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. It serves 35 cities and towns south and southwest of Boston. Being a solution to the housing crisis – now that takes a village!

Martine Taylor is executive director of South Shore Habitat for Humanity.