MATTAPOISETT — Though the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity has its office in Mattapoisett, it has never built a home there. On Jan. 24 the organization shared that it had received a donation of land that will make its first Mattapoisett house possible.

Mattapoisett residents David and Jessica Nicolosi donated a piece of land on Route 6 near the Fairhaven town line to Habitat for Humanity.

“A friend of mine is on the board and asked me if I knew anyone who would be interested, since I’m always dealing with real estate in Mattapoisett. And I thought about it and had had that particular piece of property permitted and thought it might be a good fit,” said David Nicolosi. 

Nicolosi grew up in Mattapoisett and raised his family there. He appreciates the way that people in the tri-town help each other out, and tries to help others as well. Nicolosi used to be on the Conservation Commission, and often volunteers or offers services at a reduced cost to the Mattapoisett Land Trust. Donating the land was another way to give back. 

“For a young family, it’s great to try to get kids in the school system. There’s a certain cost to living in town, and it must be tough if you’re trying to move out from Boston,” Nicolosi acknowledged.

One of the criteria Habitat for Humanity considers when selling homes evaluates a family’s financial need. Homes are sold based on severity of need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. The family’s current home may be overcrowded, have structural problems, or cost more than 30 percent of their current income.

The family must be in good financial shape, have good credit, and be willing to provide 300 hours of labor in the construction of their house.

Habitat for Humanity is currently in the planning the build on the property, which officials hope to start in the spring.

The finished house will be a 3 or 4 bedroom cottage that matches the architectural style of much of Mattapoisett. The house will also be designed to Energy Star standards, to keep maintenance costs low for the structure’s eventual owners. 

A team of volunteers, made of a mix of skilled builders and unskilled volunteers will help to construct the house.

Christine LaCourse, the Executive Director for Buzzards Bay Habitat for Humanity said that the group is currently seeking volunteers.

“Subcontractors and materials are also needed for site clearing, excavation and foundation work, insulation, gutters, roofing, windows, siding, plumbing/heating/gas, electrical, drywall, painting, flooring, cabinetry/countertops, and more,” reads a Habitat for Humanity press release on the build.

Mattapoisett or tri-town residents who would like to assist with the home build may contact Habitat for Humanity at (508) 758-4517 or email BuzzardsBayAreaHabitat@yahoo.com