WESTFIELD — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) is hosting a high-energy pickleball tournament at the Picklr, 415 East Main St., Westfield, on Sunday, March 29 from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., bringing together players of all skill levels for a full day of fun in support of affordable housing in Western Mass.

The tournament is a two-player team round robin event, with the day divided into timed sections based on skill level to ensure competitive and enjoyable play for everyone. Registration is required, and tickets cost $50 per person. All proceeds from the event will benefit Greater Springfield Habitat and its mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. In addition to tournament play, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets and Habitat merchandise throughout the day.

“This tournament is about more than pickleball — it’s about community,” said Aimee Giroux, executive director of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. “Every serve, rally, and point played helps us move closer to a future where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. We’re grateful to the Picklr and to everyone who shows up to support this important work.”

GSHFH is also seeking event sponsors to help make the tournament a success. Sponsorship opportunities include four levels: ace sponsor ($1,500), kitchen sponsor ($1,000), court sponsor ($750), and community sponsor ($500). Sponsors will receive recognition and visibility while directly supporting affordable housing efforts in the region.

For registration details, sponsorship information, and event updates, visit habitatspringfield.org/pickleball.

WESTFIELD — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) announced a pickleball tournament open to players of all skill levels on Sunday, July 20 at the Picklr, 415 East Main St., in the Westfield Shops.

From noon to 4 p.m., seasoned players and rookies alike will play ‘king of the court’ three-person-style. Tickets cost $40 each, which includes prizes, snacks and refreshments, and swag bags. All are welcome to participate or spectate. To purchase tickets, visit habitatspringfield.org.

“We are excited to be hosting this event,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director. “The staff at the Picklr has been educating us on all things pickleball and helping us to ensure a fun and lively event while raising awareness and supporting our construction programs.”

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) is challenging individuals, teams, and local companies to sponsor Women Build 2025.

Women Build is more than just a volunteer event — it’s a call to action. It empowers women to better their communities and shine a light on the challenges families face when decent housing is out of reach. Participants gain hands-on experience constructing a home for a local family, while actively addressing the need for affordable housing.

“While Women Build centers on the inclusion and empowerment of women, it welcomes volunteers of all genders and gender identities,” said Aimee Giroux, executive director of GSHFH. “It’s about breaking down stereotypes, learning new skills, building together, and, most importantly, having fun while making a difference.

Women Build 2025 offers five levels of sponsorships, ranging from $250 to $10,000. For more information, visit habitatspringfield.org/women-build.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity’s (GSHFH) Habitat Home School program will host an encore session of “Building Strong Credit.” Habitat Home School is an interactive online class that teaches its participants how to become financially ready to apply for Greater Springfield Habitat’s homeownership program.

“Building Strong Credit” will be taught by Operation HOPE representatives. Operation HOPE is a nonprofit that offers financial literacy, coaching, and advocacy for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. Attendees should expect to participate in engaging activities and ask questions.

“I would like this series to be a pre-application course so people are more prepared from the financial-review aspect of the application process,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH Homeowner Programs coordinator and the creator of this project. “It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended, as it’s a positive stepping stone for anyone interested in homeownership, and it’s definitely a good idea to attend all of them so there is no missed information.”

“Building Strong Credit” will be held in English on Tuesday, May 13 at 5 p.m., and Thursday, May 29 at 5 p.m. for Spanish speakers. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To sign up, visit habitatspringfield.org/financial-seminar.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — In honor of Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day, and Habitat for Humanity International’s Women Build Week, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity will kick off its Women Build event on Wednesday, March 12 at White Lion Brewing’s Community Boom Room, 1500 Main St., Springfield. The event starts at 6 p.m. and is free to the public. No registration is necessary.

Women Build provides an opportunity for women to take the proactive step in helping limited-income women and their families build stability through affordable homeownership. More than 70% of Habitat homeowners are women.

To participate, individuals and teams fundraise or obtain a sponsorship. Then they build for a day or two together, contributing to make a home more affordable. It costs approximately $255,000 to build a Habitat home, not including labor, in Hampden County.

There are a variety of sponsorship levels available, including individual opportunities, team options, and sponsor packages. Individual fundraisers and teams will have access to an easy-to-use, secure, online donation platform that can be shared with family, friends, acquaintances, and colleagues.

No experience is necessary. All tools and materials are supplied on a build site. All are welcome, even men, and expert instruction is provided. Every dollar raised will support local projects and affordable housing within Hampden County.

For more information, contact Olga Callirgos, Homeowner Programs coordinator, at [email protected] or (413) 739-5503, ext. 1003.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, March 6, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will introduce its newest series, “Savvy Seniors,” which is designed to empower seniors with the knowledge and tools to navigate technology and financial matters with confidence. Each session will tackle a different topic to help protect against scams and fraud, ensuring that attendees stay informed, secure, and in control.

“Savvy Seniors” will be held at the West Springfield Public Library, 200 Park St., at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend, but participants are required to sign up. Click here to register.

“This is geared only for the senior population or to help parents and grandparents,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH Homeowner Programs coordinator. “They are our most vulnerable population and not always up-to-date with technology or aware of the scams out there.”

Classes will be taught by Sue Zielenski, who manages the day-to-day operations at the Bank of America Holyoke Lincoln Financial Center. Spanish speakers are welcome to come, and a Spanish-speaking representative will be in attendance to help with language barriers.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, Feb. 19, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host an interactive open house beginning at 5:30 p.m. at East Forest Park Library, 136 Surrey Road, Springfield, for anyone curious about the organization’s mission and eager to get involved. The event will include a Q&A session, and free refreshments will be served. Click here to reserve a spot.

“Discover how you can make a difference,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH Homeowner and Programs coordinator. “Whether you want to swing a hammer, donate, or simply spread the word, there’s a place for everyone in our Habitat family.”

GSHFH is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-repair opportunities. This is accomplished by working in partnership with diverse people, from all walks of life, to build and repair simple, decent, affordable housing. GSHFH has helped roughly 100 local families realize their dream of homeownership over the last 38 years.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity’s (GSHFH) Building Dreams Benefit will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7. Attendees will enjoy a night of entertainment, cocktails, raffles, and auctions, all while making a difference in the Greater Springfield community. Doors open at 6 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow.

From gift cards to luxury items, the prizes available at the benefit include brands like Elite Island Resorts, Charity Safaris, Boston Crawling, Hartford Yard Goats, the Huntington, Lisa Scheff Designs, Hot Brass Indoor Firearm and Bow Range, Craftsman, Boston Bruins, and Boston Red Sox. In addition to the auction, the event will feature a cash bar, games, and sweet and savory samplings from local restaurants such as MexiRico, Cima, Motu Indian Kitchen, Crave, Jimmy’s Pub, and Twin Hills Country Club.

“Our fall benefit is always a great time to celebrate the work that we have completed and show members of the community how they can support future projects,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit habitatspringfield.org/building-dreams.

HOLYOKE — On Wednesday, Oct. 23, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host a free financial seminar for the community.

“Keep It Safe: Protecting Your Identity” will be presented in both English and Spanish at the Holyoke Public Library at 250 Chestnut St. in Holyoke. The class will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but participants are required to sign up by clicking here.

“With how prevalent financial and identity-theft scams are today, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against them,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH’s Homeowner Programs coordinator.

GSHFH hosts free financial-literacy seminars monthly. At the Oct. 23 workshop, the presenter will provide information on how people can protect their finances and identities from thieves. To keep up to date about future seminars, visit habitatspringfield.org/financial-seminar.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, June 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host a free financial seminar at the Chicopee Public Library, located at 449 Front St.

Attorney Gillian Szlachetka Dubay will share her expertise on wills, probate, healthcare proxies, power of attorney, and life insurance. There is no cost to attend, but participants are required to sign up by emailing or calling the library’s reference desk at [email protected] or (413) 594-1800, ext. 3.

“Gillian does an amazing job presenting a topic that is not easy to talk about. She makes sure people leave with new knowledge and resources,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH Homeowner Programs coordinator. “I find it to be a great seminar and am looking forward to learning alongside our community members.”

This free estate-planning seminar is the second of its kind hosted by Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity since its induction last fall. To keep up to date about future financial-based Habitat seminars, visit habitatspringfield.org/upcoming-events.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Tuesday, April 16, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host a free financial seminar for the community.

Sue Zielenski of Bank of America will present the topic “Keep It Safe” at Bank of America Financial Center, 1724 Boston Road, Springfield. The class will start at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but participants are required to sign up. Click here to register.

“With how prevalent financial and identity theft scams are today, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against them,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH Homeowner Programs coordinator.

GSHFH hosts free financial-literacy seminars monthly. At the April 16 presentation, Zielenski will provide information on how people can protect their finances and identities from thieves. To keep up to date about future seminars, visit habitatspringfield.org/financial-seminar.

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-preservation opportunities. Since 1987, the organization has built or repaired 129 homes in Hampden County.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — In honor of March’s Women’s History Month and Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host Spring into Action on Saturday, April 13. The event was rescheduled from March 23 due to poor weather.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., several teams of five to eight people will venture to GSHFH’s parking lot at 268 Cold Spring Ave., West Springfield, to build one of eight pieces of outdoor furniture or yard accessories. Their finished products will be auctioned off at a later date. Participants had to register before March 29.

“This event should be a lot of fun while also helping volunteers to become more comfortable working with power tools,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director. “It will hopefully give them the confidence to join us out on a build suite.”

Participants will receive snacks and goody bags, and may win prizes. Following the build, a wrap party will be held at Two Weeks Notice Brewing Co. at 110 Bosworth St., West Springfield.

GSHFH is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-preservation opportunities. Since 1987, Greater Springfield Habitat has built or repaired 129 homes in Hampden County.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Every $20 donation made to Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) by the end of Tuesday, Feb. 13, will be entered for a chance to win a Spa Renewal Day gift card for two people at Canyon Ranch in Lenox.

The winner will be drawn at Habitat’s Valentine’s Day dedication, celebrating the completion of its newest home in Holyoke. Participants don’t have to be present to win.

“We are very appreciative of Canyon Ranch for partnering with us on this fundraiser. Stable affordable housing plays a key role in a family’s well-being, and Canyon Ranch wants our donors to have a chance at increasing their well-being by supporting our programs,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director. “What a fantastic way for us to celebrate the completion of a home on Chestnut Street in Holyoke that will be dedicated and sold to the Santos family on Valentine’s Day.”

The Hearts and Homes challenge came about when a volunteer asked the resort, which focuses on prioritizing its clients’ well-being, if it would be interested in supporting Greater Springfield Habitat through a fundraiser. The donation committee complied and donated a gift card worth $700.

To donate, visit habitatspringfield.org/donate or bit.ly/3lq36gO, or text BUILD413 to 44-321 and follow the prompts.

SPRINGFIELD — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) homeowner and local veteran Max needed help. The colonial home he purchased in the McKnight neighborhood in 2002 had become a hindrance. Max suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and rheumatoid arthritis, which makes climbing stairs to the second-floor bedrooms challenging. He expressed his concerns to Habitat, and together, they discovered a solution. Habitat, through its Veterans Build Home Preservation program, is building a downstairs bedroom and bathroom for the veteran and his wife, Gloria.

Veterans Build is a national Habitat for Humanity initiative that provides housing solutions and volunteer and employment opportunities for U.S. veterans, military service members, and their families. The program serves limited-income homeowners who are affected by age, disability, or family circumstances and struggle to maintain the condition and utility of their homes.

The home-preservation program provides affordable micro-loans to qualifying homeowners who need help with accessibility modifications, home weatherization, general home repairs, yard cleanup, and landscaping. GSHFH works alongside volunteers and homeowners to make repairs.

“Massachusetts has some of the oldest housing stock in the country, and many aging homeowners are unable to make needed repairs on their own,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH’s executive director. “We are happy to be able to help them through the repair process so they can continue to stay in their homes.”

Max, a former Marines corporal, qualified for the Veterans Build Home Preservation program and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program. The pilot project gives competitive grants to nonprofits that serve veterans or low-income individuals. The grants can be used to rehabilitate eligible veterans’ primary residences. Purple Heart Homes is donating $15,000 while raising additional funds toward the project. Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit charity, provides housing solutions for former military members who are disabled and/or have decided to age in place.

“Every act of generosity toward our veterans echoes a resounding commitment to honor their service and sacrifice. With deep gratitude, Purple Heart Homes is proud to contribute $15,000 to the Greater Springfield Habitat Humanity home-preservation project, ensuring veteran Maxwell finds solace and security in a place he can call home,” said John Gallina, CEO and co-founder of PHH. “Our mission extends beyond this gift, as we embark on a dedicated fundraising campaign to reach a goal of an additional $10,000. We believe we’re better together. In collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, we hope to build a legacy of compassion and support for those who have bravely defended our freedom.”

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) is now accepting applications for a home in Hampden County. The deadline to apply is Thursday, March 30.

“We are excited to offer this opportunity, helping to make the dream of homeownership a reality for a deserving family in Hampden County,” GSHFH Executive Director Aimee Giroux said.

GSHFH is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-repair opportunities. This is accomplished by working in partnership with diverse people, from all walks of life, to build and repair simple, decent, affordable housing. Habitat’s mission to provide homeownership opportunities to low-income families is unique as it requires partner families to work alongside the community that is reaching out to help them. GSHFH has helped roughly 100 local families realize their dream of homeownership over the past 35 years.

For more information, contact Brandy O’Brien, Marketing and Communications manager, at [email protected] or (413) 739-5503, ext. 1003.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, July 18, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host a double in-person dedication ceremony (that will also air on Facebook Live) for two Holyoke homes and two families.

Since construction began in summer 2021, roughly 150 volunteers from local companies and school groups helped complete this project. They include the Holyoke Department of Community Development; the Holyoke Housing Authority; the Holyoke Community Preservation Act Committee; Sunbelt Rentals; PeoplesBank; OMG; Anna Maria College; Meyers Brothers Kalicka; Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley; Citizens Bank; and Restoration Worship Center.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity and partnerships created allowing us to provide more affordable housing in the city of Holyoke. We hope that this is the start of more to come,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director.

Single mother Jennifer and her three teenage boys will move into a three-bedroom Greater Springfield Habitat home currently under construction. Since divorcing her abusive husband, Jennifer has strived for a safe and decent affordable home. In her current apartment, her two youngest sons share a bedroom and bed, and the neighborhood they live in is dangerous.

“I see so much better for my children, and I want to be able to provide them a forever home — a place where we will feel safe, stable, happy, and accomplished,” Jennifer said. “We want a place to create beautiful memories for many years to come.”

Ireydiza and her husband, Juan, will soon purchase the other three-bedroom GSHFH home in Holyoke. The couple has two young children. Just four years ago, the family was happy, healthy, and dreaming of buying their first home. Then tragedy struck. A workplace injury disabled Juan and Ireydiza left school to be the sole breadwinner. The family is eager to move forward and out of the apartment, which in the winter is cold in the living room and master bedroom.

“We’ve been trying to leave for a while. This neighborhood has a bad reputation,” Juan said. “We want something different for our kids. We want them to be able to have something where they come home and say, ‘this is our home.’”

GSHFH is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home repair opportunities. This is accomplished by working in partnership with diverse people, from all walks of life, to build and repair simple, decent, affordable housing. GSHFH has helped more than 100 local families realize their dream of homeownership over the last 35 years.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Fall Feastival, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity’s (GSHFH) biggest fundraiser of the year, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 4 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. At $50 a ticket — a $25 savings from previous years — the evening promises hours of fun and networking opportunities.

This year marks the event’s 20th year. Attendees can enjoy sweet and savory samplings from local restaurants, including Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill, Elegant Affairs, Twin Hills, and Mamma Mia’s, and bid on live and silent auctions to win featured prizes such as four tickets to see the Boston Bruins play the Edmonton Oilers on Nov. 11 with four passes to Legends — the private, members-only restaurant at TD Garden — and an overnight stay at Red Lion Inn in the Berkshires.

“We are so thrilled to have this event in person once again and look forward to a great evening of fun, food, and live and silent auction items. A huge thank you to our many generous event sponsors, including Dietz & Company Architects,” said John O’Farrell, GSHFH fundraising and volunteer coordinator. “The collective support of our donors, community partners, and volunteers truly make our building projects possible throughout Hampden County. We hope to see everyone at Twin Hills on Thursday, Nov. 4.”

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Springfield’s Sinai Temple and the Jerome S. Gurland Human Relations Award Committee recently selected Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) as the 2021 award recipient. GSHFH Executive Director Aimee Giroux met with Rabbi Jeremy Master on May 26 to accept the honor.

Award namesake Rabbi Gurland of Longmeadow, who passed away on May 20, had been a beloved member of the community and an advocate for community service and interfaith relations.

“Our committee was most impressed with your proposal for the affordable home-ownership project on Bay Street in Springfield. We are very pleased with your partnership with Putnam Vocational High School. By partnering with your organization, students will be able to help someone within their own community,” Master said on behalf of the committee. “Sinai Temple’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity a few years ago reminds us of the pride we felt working with you.”

Added Giroux, “we are honored to have been selected to receive this award. The funds will be used to promote community involvement, primarily with youth volunteers through construction on our Bay Street project. We want to create a lasting tribute to the rabbi’s memory, and we want to honor our donors and volunteers. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to reach our mission.”

GSHFH is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through home ownership and home-repair opportunities. This is accomplished by working in partnership with diverse people, from all walks of life, to build and repair simple, decent, affordable housing. GSHFH has helped roughly 100 local families realize their dream of home ownership over the last 34 years.

HOLYOKE — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) is now accepting applications for a new, three-bedroom home in Holyoke. Construction will begin this year. The deadline to apply is June 10. For more information, including an application, visit habitatspringfield.org.

“My hope is that every lower-income family that wants to own their own home knows about the GSHFH home-ownership program,” said Deborah O’Mara, GSHFH Family Services manager. “With all kinds of support from staff and volunteers, these selected partner families successfully work toward closing, and after, they live many happy years in their own homes.”

GSHFH is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through home ownership and home-repair opportunities. This is accomplished by working in partnership with diverse people, from all walks of life, to build and repair simple, decent, affordable housing. Habitat’s mission to provide homeownership opportunities to low-income families is unique as it requires partner families to work alongside the community that is reaching out to help them. GSHFH has helped roughly 100 local families realize their dream of homeownership over the last 34 years.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Habitat for Humanity Women Build Week event, sponsored by Lowe’s, is an opportunity to spread the positive and powerful message of “women helping women” and facilitate in building stronger and safer communities.

During the weeklong event, which began March 8, women from all walks of life and skill levels have come together to work on a job site. Under the guidance of construction professionals, the group learns new skills and/or adds to their repertoire.

At Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH), the event has been a staple for several years teaming up with Lowe’s. This year, GSHFH has partnered with Western Mass. Tradeswomen to empower and encourage women volunteers to become involved on the build site.

“This is an awesome opportunity to showcase the skills of women and prove gender shouldn’t dictate capability,” said Brandice O’Brien, Marketing and Communications manager at GSHFH. “Whether the women on these build sites are construction workers or volunteers, they are simply ‘women helping women.’ The house they are working on is for a single mother.”

Western Mass. Tradeswomen is a network of female construction workers in Western Mass., Northern Conn., and Worcester. The majority of the women are in unions. They meet regularly to support one another, build their labor movement, and promote union construction careers for girls and women. The group began several years ago on the construction site of what is now MGM Springfield, where, because of a project labor agreement, workforce-diversity goals were consistently met by contractors.

“It has been a joy to get to work on a project with my sisters this week. We are skilled professionals, we love what we do, and it has been really fun to get to share that together,” said Amy Calandrella of Western Mass. Tradeswomen, who organized the tradeswomen volunteers for this year’s Women Build Week. She is a journeyman operating engineer with International Union of Operating Engineers Local 98 and serves on the board of the Western Massachusetts Area Labor Federation.

During Women Build 2021, GSHFH construction crew and volunteers are working on a two-story, four-bedroom house in Springfield for single mother Ana and her children. Volunteers help with inside finish work, painting, installing cabinets and countertops, building the front-porch rails, and putting in the walkway.

GSHFH is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-repair opportunities. This is accomplished by working in partnership with diverse people, from all walks of life, to build and repair simple, decent, affordable housing. Habitat’s mission to provide homeownership opportunities to low-income families is unique as it requires partner families to work alongside the community that is reaching out to help them. GSHFH has helped roughly 100 local families realize their dream of homeownership over the last 33 years.