Buzzards Bay Habitat Breaks Ground on First-Ever Homes in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, the organization that has been building homes for those in need in this region for the past 30 years, broke ground today on its first-ever homes in New Bedford.

The three new homes will be in the city’s Acushnet Heights neighborhood, and will be built on the corners of Pleasant and Merrimac Streets.

The homes are being constructed through funds raised by BBAHFH as well as a $150,000 grant paid by New Bedford’s Community Preservation Act funds.

Groundbreaking Milestone in Acushnet Heights

“These three new homes aren’t just buildings,” New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “They represent hope, new opportunities, and the chance for families to fulfill a staple of the American Dream by becoming homeowners. I want to thank Buzzards Bay Habitat for Humanity and their volunteers for their time and financial support, as well as the New Bedford Community Preservation Committee for their support.”

Community Leaders and Students Support New Build

Mitchell and BBAHFH Executive Director Christine Lacourse were joined at the groundbreaking by Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Superintendent Mike Watson, Community Preservation Chair Janine da Silva, and BayCoast Bank President Marie Pellegrino and Senior Vice President Dan Briand Jr.

Students from GNB Voc-Tech, who will assist in the construction of the homes, were also present at the groundbreaking.

Courtesy City of New Bedford

“BBAHFH is excited to have broken ground on our upcoming three New Bedford single-family homes,” Lacourse told WBSM. “We are happy to have been welcomed by the City and look forward to the many partnerships that are forming that will make our project a success.”

Construction Timeline and Property Specifications

The first of the three two-story homes is expected to be completed and have a family move in around April of 2027. The other two homes are scheduled to be built in 2027 and 2028. Each home is planned to be 1,400 to 1,450 square feet, with three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, off-street parking, and solar panels.

How Low-Income Families Can Apply for the Housing Lottery

Qualified applicants will be entered into a lottery to decide who can purchase the homes once completed. Applications for the lottery begin on November 1, 2026, and will be open to low-income families who have the ability to pay a monthly mortgage of around $1,200 to $1,500 and can invest 300 hours of time in helping to build the new home. Visit the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity website for more information on applying.

Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this past June at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House in New Bedford, has constructed 13 homes over the years and completed countless home repairs and ramp installations.