Summer Newsletter

July 2025

Dear Friends,

This summer is shaping up to be one of our busiest yet, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Thanks to new grants and partnerships, we're expanding our reach and adding staff to bring fresh perspectives and expertise while also meeting growing demand.

I’m particularly pleased to welcome Lora Baldracchi back to WCHR as Interim Director of the WCHR Community Development Loan Fund. Lora served as the long-time director of the Fund until her retirement three years ago. Her return brings valuable experience and the necessary knowledge to help us shore up our administrative systems and establish a strong foundation for our future. We’re currently looking to hire a CDFI Loan Officer for Lora’s team as well as a Resident Service Coordinator, so if you're qualified and passionate about our mission, we encourage you to check out our Staff page for these career opportunities.

For those of you having a more leisurely summer, please stop by our new office at 85 Prescott Street, Suite 101, and visit with us sometime. And thank you, as always, for your support and all you do for our community.

Best regards, 

N. Paul TonThat

Executive Director

WCHR Awarded $1 Million Grant

for Revolving Loans to Receivers

WCHR is excited to announce a new $1 million grant from the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell as part of the new Receivership Expense Assistance for Creating Housing (REACH) Fund. WCHR will act as a Fund Administrator, overseeing the coordination of revolving loan funds to receivers in Central Massachusetts and increasing the capacity of those receivers to finance the rehabilitation of distressed and abandoned properties.

We are honored to be chosen to continue our longtime partnership with the Attorney General’s Office, working together to rehabilitate properties, revitalize neighborhoods, equitably preserve existing housing, and create affordable housing.

Progress on Receivership Properties



Receivership programs allow cities to eliminate threats to public health and safety by rehabilitating properties with multiple code violations. WCHR is a leading institution in the use of receivership to combat abandoned and foreclosed properties. 

Currently, we're rehabilitating two properties in partnership with private contractors as well as property owners, who are appointed by the court to manage the homes until they can be resold to new, responsible owners who can ensure their long-term sustainability.

At 12 Congress Street, left, our team has completed significant interior and mechanical renovations, but rising construction costs have made further financing necessary. The project is positioned for successful completion and transition to affordable homeownership by year’s end, contingent upon funding approval.

This home at 28 Albert Drive required extensive work due to widespread damage and outdated infrastructure. It is now nearing completion and has recently been approved for funding under the REACH Fund (see article above), which may allow for direct transfer to an eligible first-time homebuyer upon completion.

Conversation with a WCHR Tenant:

Jazmin, Lagrange Street

How long have you lived on Lagrange Street?

August 2025 will make 11 years that I’ve lived in the same apartment.

What are your favorite spots in the neighborhood?

My daughter and I love going to the YMCA to swim! We also love our Dunkin donuts. We make sure we get our coffee every day. Rain, sleet, snow, or shine! We also love Maria's Kitchen (a Spanish restaurant that sells Spanish dishes right on Main Street)!

Do you have many neighbor friends?

My neighbors are great! We definitely look out for one another, and they don't bring any drama. There's one neighbor that would give you everything she had if you needed it. She also loves to cook for my daughter and is always bringing toys to my fur baby dog, Lola!

Are there any community events that you enjoy?

Every August we go to the back-to-school event behind the YMCA, where you can get school supplies. There are so many vendors and different things you can learn about! You also get to meet some great people!

Get to Know WCHR Staff:

Jini Henderson, Property Manager

How long have you been with WCHR? 

On August 6, I will have been here 24 years (short intermission, but I've never counted that).

What's up with this picture?

Just showing my strong local pride since 1980-something!

Most rewarding part of your job?

Handing someone keys.

Proudest career accomplishment? 

Using my work knowledge to be appointed by the Town of Holden Select Board to the open seat at the Holden Housing Authority.

Daily motivation?

My two grandchildren live with me. I am trying to be an inspiration to them by helping people, being kind, and doing my best.

Projects you are most excited about?

I am still very excited about our move to 85 Prescott—a new start, new direction, new energy.

Hobbies or interests outside of work?

I am a Christmas geek—I like to make wreaths and invite folks to paint ornaments.



Fun fact about you that most people don't know?

On my 20th wedding anniversary, I jumped off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas.

WCHR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 22-2719744. Our work providing housing solutions for historically underserved Worcester County residents would not be possible without the generous contributions of our donors and funders. Please consider supporting our mission with a tax-deductible charitable donation.