September 2026 - Issue #39 | | |
A Critical Home Repair Program volunteer using the truck at a job site. (photos: Habitat NCM)
Established in 1988, the mission of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (Habitat NCM) is to bring people together to build homes, strengthen communities, create hope, and work towards a future in which everyone has a safe and affordable place to live. Habitat NCM serves individuals and families living across 30 communities in the North Central region and advances its mission through generous donations of volunteer labor, materials, and funds. Launched in 2013, Habitat NCM’s Critical Home Repair Program provides essential interior and exterior repairs for low-income homeowners.
| |
In 2025, Habitat NCM received a $65,000 Activation Fund grant from The Health Foundation to purchase a dedicated repair truck to expand the Critical Home Repair Program. The grant allowed Habitat NCM to address the logistical challenges, increased vehicle wear, staff turnover, and difficulties retaining qualified construction professionals. The new repair vehicle, which replaced the use of personal vehicles, also increased the visibility and accessibility of the program.
With tools and equipment organized and readily accessible, the repair team has been able to refocus its time and effort on completing critical work in homeowners’ residences. Beyond increasing the number of projects completed, the truck has strengthened Habitat NCM’s workforce, improved day-to-day operations, and expanded the program’s capacity to respond to urgent repair needs. In fact, the organization has nearly doubled community engagement through volunteer participation in the past year.
Most importantly, Habitat NCM’s work, including its expanded Critical Home Repair Program, goes far beyond completing a construction project. The program helps achieve improved quality of life, greater financial stability, stronger communities, and the prevention of housing displacement and homelessness for many individuals and families in the region. To date, 252 projects have been completed and 534 individuals impacted through this program.
Habitat NCM Executive Director Carolyn Read summed up the impact of the grant, noting, “Habitat NCM’s Critical Home Repair Program started 13 years ago with the goal of expanding our mission from building new homes to also maintaining existing affordable homes in north central Massachusetts. The demand for the program has grown very quickly and the 2025 Activation Fund grant was used to purchase a construction truck to help this program quickly serve more homeowners. We completed 42 repair projects last year, exceeding our goal for the year, with 74% of the projects serving seniors, allowing them to age in place in the homes and communities they love.”
| | Special GrantWell Training Opportunity | | |
GrantWell is a free, AI-enabled grant assistant that was launched earlier this year. Offered by the Commonwealth's Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office (FFIO) and developed in collaboration with the Burnes Center at Northeastern University, it is designed to support municipalities and nonprofit organizations in identifying relevant state, federal and philanthropic grant opportunities.
GrantWell removes barriers that often prevent smaller communities from accessing critical funding opportunities. The tool is specifically built to empower historically underfunded and understaffed communities by reducing the complexity and time required for grant applications.
In anticipation of significant grant opportunities like the Rural Health Transformation Program, The Health Foundation is partnering with the GrantWell team on a special virtual information session which will include a live demo of the tool and time for participants to try the tool themselves and ask questions. This session will be held on September 15 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Click here to register.
| | Voting as a Social Determinant of Health | | |
In 2022, the American Medical Association (AMA) formally acknowledged voting as a social determinant of health. According to Vot-ER, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to integrate civic engagement into healthcare, "research shows that our communities are healthier when more voters can participate in the democratic process. [Communities] with more inclusive voting policies and higher civic participation rates have better health outcomes."
September 15 is National Voter Registration Day. For eligible voters who reside in Massachusetts, the last day to register to vote for the November 3 general election is October 24. Click here for information on how to register.
| | |
Supported by a grant from The Health Foundation, CommonWealth Beacon will host a panel discussion, Voting Like Your Life Depends on It: the connection between civic participation and wellbeing.
The discussion will take place on October 6 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at the Hogan Center at the College of the Holy Cross. Click here to register.
| | |
Congratulations to the Worcester Business Journal's 40 Under Forty, Class of 2026 (paid article). Each year, the WBJ recognizes rising young leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals throughout Central Massachusetts who demonstrate exceptional career success and community commitment.
We would especially like to recognize Jose Castro, Community Development Manager for the North East Region at Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), who serves on The Health Foundation’s Community Outreach Committee, and Kwasi Acheampong, Executive Director of Our Bright Future a 2026 Activation Fund grantee.
| | Nonprofit and Community Resources | | |
The following resources may be of interest to our nonprofit partners and community members.
Reliant Foundation
Reliant Foundation is accepting proposals for its Community Grants. Programs focusing on substance use disorder (primarily the opioid epidemic), mental health/behavioral health services for children and youth, and programs and initiatives that reduce stigma around these issues will be given top priority. Proposals are due by Friday, October 9, 2026 at noon.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
The FY 27 Community Transit Grant Program, Operating and Mobility Management grant cycle is now open. These grants provide funding to operate transportation or promote mobility management to expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income people. Applications are due by Friday, October 30, 2026.
Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF)
GWCF is offering new grant opportunities that are accepting applications.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
The Community Health Equity Survey collects data on how social, economic, and environmental factors impact the health and well-being of Massachusetts residents. DPH created the survey after working with community members and partners throughout the state as part of the Community Health Equity Initiative (CHEI). Survey questions ask about the experiences and needs of Massachusetts residents. The results will be combined with CHEI Community Health Equity Qualitative (CHEQ) data to help DPH and local communities address health-related conditions. The survey is available in 11 languages, easy to take, and anonymous.
| | The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to improving the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and unmet needs. Through its unique and impactful approach to grantmaking, The Health Foundation supports community-identified health issues, with health defined broadly to include social determinants of health and with a focus on promoting health equity. As a health conversion foundation launched in 1999 following the sale of the not-for-profit HMO Central Massachusetts Health Care, Inc., The Health Foundation’s grants have totaled over $64 million to more than 250 unique organizations over its history. For more information, visit www.thfcm.org. |
| © 2026 The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts | | | | |
