Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts, Inc. is making good use of $5,000 in Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts grant funding that is bringing the organization into the modern age.

Habitat NCM Executive Director Carolyn Read shared in a grant impact report that they “sought out this grant in order to join the 21st century regarding computer and communication technology.”

“Being a small organization on a limited budget, our computers were all older model donations from 2008,” she conveyed. “This grant request was to update desktops and laptops for key personnel and to update our phone system to Voice Over IP, allowing us to access remotely and to be able to provide more efficient communication with our clients, donors and volunteers.”

To date they have purchased two laptops and one desktop computer. One laptop went to the organization’s Construction Manager, which enables them to communicate better while out in the field, the second to Family Services/DEI Coordinator new hire, and the desktop to the Outreach Coordinator “who was using a very old donated system.”

Additionally, a VoiP phone system was installed in December. Habitat NCM is deciding how to spend the remainder of the grant funding, whether it be to cover FiOS conversion for the VoIP system or purchasing one more computer for its ReStore in Leominster.

Read said they appreciate the grand funding and what it has enabled them to do.

“Capital and operating funds are difficult to come by. Most grantors want specific program outcomes,” she shared in the report. “What (Community Foundation of North Central Massachsuetts) realizes is that if the internal structure is not in place to support the programs, then our organization cannot be successful. Most other grantors do not seem to realize that basic need. Funding from CFNCM is unique in that way. Just like our repair programs which address the structural integrity of a home, this grant has allowed us to address the structural integrity of our own "house"! The grant has made us more efficient and responsive to our staff, board, clients, donors and volunteers.”