Fall River native to realize dream of home ownership through Habitat for Humanity

A Fall River native’s dream will soon come true with a little help.

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity has announced their family partner and future homeowners of their current build at 762 Washington Street in Franklin; the Marmol family.

Sally, a proud mom to Amelia (13), Evani (12), and Jonathon (10), grew up in Fall River and now works in Franklin.

OCHFH states that having a place to call home, with enough space for everyone, means the world to Sally.

“For her children, it represents safety, stability, and the chance to grow up in a strong, supportive community.”

“We’re honored to partner with the Marmol Family on this life-changing journey toward homeownership and can’t wait to watch their dream of a safe and affordable home become a reality.”

The project is transforming the former South Franklin Congregational Meeting House—also known as “Old South”— which was built in 1856. The property includes 0.655 acres of land and 2,128 square feet of interior space.

Though the church was deeded to the Town of Franklin by the First Congregational Church in 1972, it has remained vacant since 2007.

In partnership with the town, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity acquired the property through a formal RFP process. They are now in the process of converting this beautiful and historically significant structure into an affordable, energy-efficient home featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms across two floors. The project plans to preserve the character of the building while giving it new life as a safe and welcoming residence for a local family in need.

Here is how applying for a HFH home works.

Families in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership with their local Habitat for Humanity.

Each local Habitat’s family selection committee selects homeowners based on three criteria:

• The applicant’s level of need.
• Their willingness to partner with Habitat.
• Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.

Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners, in addition to paying an affordable mortgage and receiving financial education.

OCHFH anticipates welcoming the Marmols in June 2026.