Tri-Valley Habitat for Humanity Puts a New Twist on Habitat Housing

Habitat for Humanity is well known for the houses it builds for families in need.

This year, the Tri-Valley local partnership chapter of South Shore Habitat for Humanityis taking the idea to another – pint-sized – level with their first annual “Playhouse Build.”

Raffle tickets are still on sale for this six-by-six wooden playhouse with a hand-shingled roof, designer front porch, and three window spaces.  

“The response has been terrific,” said Jackie Bassett, CEO of BT Industrials, and veteran Habitat for Humanity volunteer. “We’ve have many calls asking where they can buy such a playhouse because of how beautifully designed it is. That’s what happens when something is built with care and compassion.  It’s the same level of care that goes into the building of every Habitat home.”

Basset said the idea of the playhouse – which cannot be purchased outright – was that of Tri-Valley LPC Chairman Doug Marshall as a combined “friend-raiser/fundraiser.”

“I researched how other Habitats across the country run such a program and discovered it offers families, businesses and community groups a fun and creative way to get involved in the terrific work that Habitat does,” Basset said. 

The playhouse, according to Basset, was professionally crafted by a dedicated team of volunteers, including Ned Faltas (build manager), Neal O’Connor, Bob and Kim Bond, Cathy Shires, Pat King, Maureen Nowak, Derri Braun, and Katie O’Connor.          

The project was funded by area businesses including Chace Building Supply, Charles River Contracting, Dedham Savings, Medway Lumber, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, and Wilder Companies.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 each or five tickets for $20 from various local merchants who have the Tri-Valley Habitat “birdhouses” on display. They can also be purchased by contacting Marshall at dougwm@comcast.net or at Medfield Day (where the winner will be announced later in the day).