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Indian Avenue Project

This small, abandoned cottage in the heart of Manomet was an old military barracks in World War II on Cape Cod. The structure was relocated to the area in the 1950's. 

Since the fall of 2023, our incredible volunteers and corporate partners have been dedicating their time, breathing new life into the existing structure. Nearly 200 volunteers have given 3,5000+ hours taking the original cottage down to the studs, constructing a 2-story addition with full basement on the back of the home, and converting the space into a safe, affordable, 3-bedroom home for a Veteran, his wife, and their two young daughters. We expect the family of four will be living in their new home by August 2024.

Planting New Roots: Meet Our Newest Partner Family

Marcus and Rachel embody the spirit of resilience and determination, their journey marked by challenges, sacrifices, and unwavering optimism. With roots in Hyde Park and Dorchester, MA respectively, their path led them to Plymouth, where they were recently selected as the new partner family for our next Habitat for Humanity home.

Marcus, a former aviation mechanic in the Navy, served his country for eight years with deployments taking him on a World cruise on the USS Vincent and a West Pacific cruise on the USS Lincoln. His military service instilled in him a sense of discipline and routine, qualities that have been a cornerstone in his life. However, upon returning to civilian life, Marcus found himself grappling with homelessness and living in shelter, a struggle that persisted for three years until he found support through veteran housing programs. He says, “If more veterans realized that there are benefits they can tap into, the system can work if they allow it to work. There are so many people willing to help.”

Rachel discovered her passion for education and teaching after embarking on a journey pursuing early childhood education in college, following work as a teacher’s aide after leaving high school. She credits her role at the elementary school at which her mother was a teacher as changing her life for the better. Despite facing personal and professional obstacles, Rachel remained steadfast in her commitment to nurturing young minds and making a difference in her community.

Together they have two daughters: Aaliyah (age 6) and Aubrey (age 3). Aaliyah, with her voracious appetite for learning, excels academically and embraces various extracurricular activities like basketball, soccer, dance, and skating. Aubrey is the sassy one, and her infectious laughter and charm light up the room. As a family, they cherish simple yet meaningful moments together, from movie nights to beach outings, cherishing each opportunity to bond and create lasting memories.

The family has been living with Rachel’s parents in Plymouth for the last 6 years. As Marcus describes it, “We had a safe place to live and a soft place to land with Rachel’s parents. It’s been a great place for the girls and Rachel’s parents are truly saints on Earth.”

Now, Marcus and Rachel are thrilled that they can finally put roots down in Plymouth. With a “forever home” here, they will no longer have to worry about changing schools for the girls, finding new friends, joining a new church community, or any of the other challenges that come with moving to a new place. The girls can’t wait to pick out paint colors for their bedrooms.

Looking ahead, Marcus and Rachel aspire to pay forward the blessings they have received by giving back to their community and supporting initiatives that uplift others facing similar challenges. Their unwavering faith, coupled with the abundant support of loved ones and organizations like Habitat for Humanity, serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In their message to other families navigating similar circumstances, Marcus and Rachel advocate for taking chances, embracing hope, and seeking assistance when needed. Their journey epitomizes the transformative power of perseverance and the profound impact of community support in turning dreams into reality. As they eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their lives, Marcus and Rachel stand as living embodiments of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that brighter days lie ahead.

Article written and submitted by Sheila Fey