Lowell Sun editorial (April 11, 2003) – HOH Featured

A ‘Hope’-ful project

If putting your money where your mouth is merits a local-impact award, House of Hope supporters should be at the front of the line.

Last year the agency’s board of directors voted to build its own housing for the homeless, rather than expand the women’s shelter, figuring maybe it could help reduce the housing crisis. The result is New Hope Apartments, to be built on Salem Street in Lowell’s Acre section.

The board expects to shelter homeless families on a long-term basis at New Hope Apartments. Eleven unite and a community room will go up at what is now an vacant lot adjacent to House of Hope’s Merrimack Street women’s shelter.

The celebratory outburst after the Zoning Board of Appeals recently approved the project signaled a remarkable campaign to address local needs. The City of Lowell has indicated approval in other ways, donating $325,000 in Community Development Block Grant money to the $2 million project.

The board, and House of Hope Executive Director Deborah Chausse, are earning their wings with this project. They deserve congratulations.