Multi-family new construction project: Four Rod Road, Rochester, NH

Southeast NH Habitat for Humanity (SENH Habitat) is working alongside our dedicated volunteers to complete a multi-family new construction project in Rochester, NH. This energy-efficient and affordable home consists of two units, each featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Our construction team broke ground on January 1, 2024, and continue to make strong progress, thanks to the leadership of our experienced team and the dedication of our volunteer workforce. By leveraging volunteer labor, we significantly reduce overall construction costs—maximizing every dollar in support of our mission to provide affordable housing for hardworking families in our region.

________________________________________

Partner Families
We are proud to partner with two local families, including one Veteran family, who will officially become homeowners upon project completion and closing. Both families have begun completing their sweat equity hours and are fully engaged in the process of building their future homes. Our hope is to complete this construction project during the summer months, but we need volunteers and supporters to help us reach the finish line.
Each adult in a Partner Family is required to complete 250 sweat equity hours, with up to 100 hours contributed by family and friends. This hands-on requirement fosters community investment, pride in ownership, and lasting relationships.
________________________________________

Volunteer & Construction Management
• Volunteers work on-site every Thursday and Saturday, year-round.
• Our Volunteer Coordinator, June Demers, utilizes the Volunteer Up platform to manage individual and group scheduling.
• Doug Gregory, SENH Habitat’s Construction Manager, has over 20 years of experience and previously served as a longtime volunteer.

We also partner with local subcontractors to perform work requiring licensed professionals, including plumbing and electrical, as required by the State of New Hampshire.
________________________________________

Remaining Project Scope
As we near the final phase of construction, the remaining tasks include:
• Interior painting
• Installation of kitchen cabinetry
• Bathroom flooring
• Electrical and plumbing finishes
• Driveway construction and landscaping

While volunteers provide much of the labor, SENH Habitat must still purchase all building materials and cover costs for licensed trade work—areas where financial support can have immediate and lasting impact.
________________________________________

The Power of Partnership

Our work is built on collaboration:
• Community groups, faith-based organizations, and corporate partners provide volunteers, materials, and financial support.
• Homeowners work side-by-side with volunteers, learning construction skills and building meaningful relationships.
• Local businesses donate products, services, and time—creating a shared investment in stronger neighborhoods.
________________________________________

Affordable Homeownership Model

SENH Habitat serves families earning 30–60% of the area median income, who are unable to qualify for conventional mortgages but can pay an affordable, interest-free mortgage.
• Homeowners pay a 0.00% interest mortgage over a 20–30-year term
• Monthly payments include escrow for taxes and insurance
• Payments are less than market rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in our service area
• Habitat retains and services all mortgages from our Portsmouth office, ensuring long-term support.

These mortgage payments are reinvested into future builds, creating a sustainable model that pays it forward year after year. Currently, 13 active Habitat homeowners contribute over $5,911.91 per month in mortgage payments—funding the next generation of homes.

In addition to sweat equity, Partner Families participate in financial education courses, covering topics such as budgeting, credit management, and homeownership readiness. This builds long-term financial stability and responsible homeownership.
________________________________________
Community Impact & Celebration

The culmination of each build is our cherished Key Ceremony, where staff, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters gather to bless the home and officially present the keys to the new homeowners. It is a powerful moment of community connection, pride, and hope.