Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity (MVHFH) and North Shore Habitat for Humanity (NSHFH) are merging to become Essex County Habitat for Humanity (ECHFH). By working together, we will be able to build even more safe, decent and affordable homes, alongside partner families across Essex County. Both affiliates were founded in 1985 and in the 35 years since, the two affiliates have built 114 new homes, and rehabbed 41 – successfully supporting over 150 families with homeownership. Essex County Habitat for Humanity will continue the process of constructing another 13 houses — seven in Salisbury, four in Andover, and a two-family duplex in Wenham. Additionally, the new ECHFH will also be breaking ground at a lot on Spruce Street in Lawrence this spring. As a merged organization, Essex County Habitat for Humanity looks forward to serving more families across Essex County who are in need of affordable housing, a need more urgent now than ever before. Essex County Habitat for Humanity will continue to work side-by-side with partner families, helping them realize their dreams of homeownership. In partnering with us, families put in the time and the effort, and are required to contribute up to 360 “sweat equity” hours – working on our construction sites, or in our ReStores. After building their own homes, along with our staff and volunteers, they are then able to purchase their home with an affordable mortgage. In order to qualify for an Essex County Habitat home, families have to demonstrate a need for decent shelter and show that they have the ability to pay an affordable mortgage. Essex County Habitat for Humanity will take over full operations at the ReStores, located in Lawrence and Peabody, and will continue serving some of the vulnerable populations in our communities throughout Essex County, by providing them with access to quality home goods, at highly discounted prices.