January 27, 2025 By Beth Porter
In honor of President Jimmy Carter’s recent passing, we are profiling South Shore Habitat for Humanity this month, and getting to know new Executive Director, Erin McGough.
Beth: You are relatively new to your position, correct? Tell me what drew you to Habitat for Humanity.
Erin: The mission of making homes affordable in a way that is connected with the community is so compelling. We cover 22 cities and towns in SE Massachusetts, including Hingham and Cohasset, and are one of 17 Habitat programs in Massachusetts so there is lots of exciting work.
Beth: Tell me about your background.
Erin: I have deep experience in museum nonprofits, most recently serving as the Director of the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton. That included many years of administrative experience, of course, but also facilities management and care for historic homes. Relevant knowledge certainly, but I am also learning a lot from our wonderful team especially in the area of building new homes.
Beth: Much of Habitat’s brand recognition is based on the signature program of building a new home. Can you tell me more about that?
Erin: Building a home is really about building future outcomes for the family and the community. It’s an 18-month cycle of fundraising and advocacy, building the home, of course, but also building awareness. We currently have three traditional builds underway: a duplex in Cohasset and a single-family home in Easton. This year we will start an additional duplex in Easton on Morse Road. What’s particularly exciting about the builds in Easton is that we are partnering with Southeaster Regional Shore Vocational Technical High School to include their students in the work. We’re getting great help, and they’re getting great experience. The build on Morse Road is actually across the street from the school, so the students will be able to monitor the progress daily.
One of our next builds will be a rehab in Abington, and we’re thrilled that the town awarded us a grant of $250K in support of affordable housing. This is a newer model that we would like to continue to explore.
Beth: That’s interesting that the Abington home will be a rehab vs. a traditional build. Do you have other programs that are not traditional builds?
Erin: We do. We’re one of the Habitat affiliates that has a Critical Home Repair program, which has the goal of keeping seniors and veterans in their homes. Last year we completed about 65 individual home repairs ranging from adding bathroom handrails to roof repairs. We have a part-time person who completes as many of the repairs as he can and then have long-standing relationships with local companies to complete the rest. We’re fortunate to have a donor who sees the importance of this project, particularly with the aging demographic in many of the towns we serve.
Beth: What do you think will change about Habitat for Humanity over the next five years?
Erin: We are certainly facing the challenge of a low inventory of good land parcels. We’re also discussing how to address sustainability and green energy while keeping our builds as affordable as possible. As a small and nimble organization, our conversations include what it might mean to increase our number of rehabs as well as how we can scale our Critical Home Repair program with increased and sustainable funding.
Beth: If Habitat for Humanity received a windfall of $100,000 tomorrow, what would you do with it?
Erin: The immediate need, of course, is completing our current builds. We’re nearing goal on both. We’re exploring capacity building projects to prepare us for the next stage of our growth.
Beth: How can someone get involved with Habitat for Humanity?
Erin: We have a way for everyone to get involved! The best-known way is to get involved with a build – either as an individual where you would join with others to work on a build for a day or as a corporation where just your team would join a build for a day. No experience is necessary, so it’s a fun way to explore the trades. We also have opportunities to join in event planning, on administrative tasks, even as a board member. It truly takes a village to build a Habitat home!
Beth: Do you have any special events coming soon?
Erin: Yes! During the first week of March (1-8), we hold WomenBuild, a gender- inclusive event bringing together people to learn together, honor women in the trades, and make a difference in their community!
Beth: And just for fun, tell me the strangest thing you have on your desk.
Erin: Chinese guava flavored candies. I can’t stop eating them.
Learn more about all of it at www.sshabitat.org.
Beth Porter is a local consultant with 35+ years of experience in nonprofit management. She partners with local nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic projects bringing a fresh perspective, calm energy, and lots of tools. Contact her at beth@bcpnonprofitconsulting.com to learn more.