Habitat for Humanity helps families in need of a home, but with the current housing crisis, the need is more than ever. The Greater Springfield division of Habitat is now building 5-6 homes a year.
On a misty Friday afternoon on Chester Street, Janet Nieves looked in awe at the home built for her, and her three children. For the past six months, 20-25 people dedicated their Saturdays to building Janet's new home.

Habitat for Humanity thrives on community support to help needy families, but lately it seems many more are having trouble making ends meet. Despite all that, the organization says the help is still there.

"If there are ways and vehicles in which people can still be able to have their own house, and afford that... and, other people are able to help contribute to that, in this day and age, I think that's a significant accomplishment," said Bill Burke, Group President of Lenox Tools, based out of Longmeadow.

Janet's home is not the only one in the Old Hill neighborhood being built by Habitat for Humanity. Just next door, another home is under construction for another family in need.

"It's the busiest we've ever been," said Neil Swinton, President of Greater Springfield Habitat. "For most of our existence in the past 20 years, we've built about two to three houses a year."

Now, Habitat is building between five and six homes a year. So far this year, Habitat has completed three, including homes in Holyoke and Monson. On Friday morning, just hours before the latest home dedication, Habitat bought a home offered at half value, which will be renovated for yet another family.

"The need is there. Money is still a little bit tight, but people are still giving," Swinton said.

Janet believes she is one of the lucky ones, saying, "it's hard right now for everyone. I'm fortunate to have a job, and being able to work with habitat, they're always willing to be there for me and my family, so I'm fortunate."

An added bonus... the new Habitat homeowners lock-in a 25-30 year mortgage at zero percent interest.

"Even after the mortgage payments, and the taxes, and the insurance... generally, in Springfield, people are paying hundreds of dollars less than they are in a 2-3 bedroom apartment," Swinton said.

Janet's new home still has work left to be done, but she expects to move in with her family by the beginning of next year.