Habitat For Humanity

The house on Fowell Avenue was the second one built by Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity, and it became home for the third family we selected.

The process started in late 2000 when Zach and Pauline Mandravelis responded to an appeal to landowners of undeveloped lots in Nashua. Zach and Pauline had purchased the property many years ago, but they had never built on it. Now retired, they were looking to make good use of the property, and they decided that giving the property to Habitat for Humanity to help a less fortunate family was just the best thing to do.

Once ownership of the lot was transferred to Habitat for Humanity, the process of planning and getting permits and variances began. Finally in the fall of 2001, clearing of the lot began. The foundation went in in the spring of 2002, with the building starting shortly after that. Construction continued on most Saturdays for almost a year. A certificate of occupancy was issued in June 2003.

Once land is owned for building a house, the family selection process begins and takes about six months from accepting applications until a family is selected and approved. For this house, there were so many applicants in need that the process ended with nearly a half dozen families with equivalent need. Ultimately, a single family was chosen by lottery.

Dori Duschesne and her sons were the lucky family selected. They finally got to move in after the closing on the house on June 22, 2003. The house was dedicated on September 28, 2003.

Click here to see pictures of the house being built.