Army vet, family will soon live in their own Farmington home thanks to SENH

Members of the SE NH Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors recently broke ground on Richards Way in Farmington where the San Miguel family will soon live in their own home. (Courtesy photos).

FARMINGTON - Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit dedicated to building affordable housing for deserving families, recently broke ground in Farmington where an Army veteran, his wife, their three children and a grandson will soon call home.
The San Miguel family will be moving in as soon as the residence is finished, according to Habitat officials.
Meanwhile, Habitat announced recently that their organization will be absorbing fellow housing nonprofit Community Toolbox.
This collaboration will allow for improved advocacy and the ability to serve more families, whose income falls within the 30-60 percent range of the area median.
Meg Rotondo, co-founder of CTB, noted that several of the original founders and board members of CTB were volunteers with SENH Habitat prior to spinning off in 2013 to create their own non-profit focused around a Fix-it program. Since that time, they have helped over 300 families through their Fix-It program which provides critical home repairs such as building outdoor ramps for wheelchairs, installing weatherstripping for heat protection in the winter and implementing modifications for handicap accessibility.
Multiple local agencies such as Community Action Partnership and Society of St. Vincent de Paul provide referrals and vet potential clients' needs and eligibility for program participation. Marcie Bergan, executive director of SENH Habitat, said that their mission of building affordable housing has grown to include assistance for veterans and for seniors aging in place, receiving referrals from the VA and other community partners. "Collaboration is key! We have started expanding services beyond building new homes and now offer a Housing Plus program," said Bergan.
Bergan and Rotondo noted that SENH Habitat and CTB have always worked in partnership, referring clients to each other whenever possible, and that by officially combining efforts they will be able to serve far more people here in the Granite State.
"It is very exciting to see the two organizations come full circle as they rejoin forces," Rotondo added.
The San Migels, who are helping to build their home alongside Habitat volunteers, will pay a zero percent mortgage when the home is complete, a benefit offered to all Habitat homeowners in New Hampshire.