Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 9/6/2023
SPRINGFIELD — The new offices of Revitalize Community Development Corporation were celebrated with an official opening on Aug. 30 as well as the announcement the housing nonprofit has hit the 50% mark of its $3.5 million capital campaign.
The organization’s president and CEO Colleen Loveless explained the growing organization with a staff of 18 needed a new larger office and purchased the former headquarters of the Western Massachusetts Homebuilders Association on Cadwell Drive.
According to a written statement, Revitalize CDC has repaired and rehabilitated over 1,500 homes in Springfield, Holyoke and other communities since its start in 1992 with the help of 10,000 volunteers, investing $54 million into Western Massachusetts. In the past year, Revitalize CDC served 826 households with over 2,300 individuals consisting of low-income families with children, elderly citizens, military veterans and people with disabilities.
Over the years, the organization has made an impact in improving homes in urban neighborhoods such as Springfield’s Old Hill and North End.
“I can’t believe the day is here. It’s wonderful,” Loveless said of the group’s new offices.
One couple who was helped is Anthony and Carolyn Michalak of Springfield. Anthony, an Army veteran, said the couple moved to Springfield in 2009 from Southampton and their home had inadequate windows. Revitalize CDC, though its Joined Forces program to assist veterans, made improvements and Anthony said, “It’s like a brand-new home right now.”
He added, “Many thanks to this outfit.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was among the elected officials who attended the event, along with state Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton).
Sarno said this administration has supported the group with $200,000 in ARPA funds as well as Community Development Block Grants. “They improve a home and a yard so they [the residents] can stay there. You can’t put a price tag on that,” he said.
Loveless announced the organization has received a $500,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation to support its capital campaign. The campaign is designed to raise the money needed for the construction of a new warehouse and distribution center.
Other businesses that have contributed so far include Alekman DiTusa, LLC, Berkshire Bank, Country Bank, The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, GAF Roofing, Charles Hall Foundation, MassMutual Foundation, MMC Specialty Roofing, Monson Savings Bank, Northeast Solar, PeoplesBank, Morey Phippen & Brian Adams and the Revitalize CDC Board of Directors.
The chair of the organization’s board, John Robinson, said a recent audit showed that 90 cents out of every donated dollar goes directly to the effort of helping people.
For more information on contributing or receiving services, log onto www.RevitalizeCDC.com.