Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for April 28 at Gifford Street Extension, Falmouth Build Site
FALMOUTH, MA — This fall, hundreds of Cape Cod builders, subcontractors, suppliers, and small businesses will set aside their busy workloads and donate labor and materials to build a three-bedroom home in just one week for Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod.
A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on April 28, marking the start of preparations for the September 21–25, 2026 Home Builders Blitz Build. During the five-day build, Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod (HBRACC) members will construct a Cape-style home at 805 Gifford Street Extension in Falmouth. The Blitz home is one of four affordable homes being built behind the Falmouth ReStore as part of Habitat’s continued effort to address Cape Cod’s housing crisis.
A Home Builders Blitz is a home constructed from frame to finish in just one week, donated to Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod. Habitat Cape Cod will select a local family from qualified applicants to purchase the home. The Home Builders Blitz partnership between Habitat and HBRACC began in 2013 and continues every two years, with successful builds in Orleans, Harwich, Brewster, Dennis, and Falmouth, highlighting the urgent need for affordable homeownership for local families and the commitment of the home building industry to supporting that goal.
Wendy Cullinan, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, said, “The 2024 Blitz family included a local plasterer who was originally scheduled to work on the very house that ended up becoming his own family’s home. It was a full circle moment that really shows what the Blitz is all about, neighbors helping neighbors and the local workforce literally building the community they live in. Habitat homeowners include teachers, nurses, municipal employees, restaurant workers, tradespeople, and small business owners.”
Habitat Board President, Peter Kimball of M. Duffany Builders, added, “Oftentimes, volunteers realize that the home they are helping to build will be bought by someone they know, maybe someone who serves them at a favorite restaurant, cared for a loved one, or works alongside them. The Blitz Build makes those connections real and personal.”
“The Blitz Build also underscores the critical role the local building industry plays in addressing Cape Cod’s housing shortage,” said HBRACC Executive Director Stefanie Coxe. “While long-term solutions require policy reform and zoning changes, projects like the Blitz demonstrate what is possible when skilled tradespeople, suppliers, and community partners work together.”
HBRACC Board President Todd Duffany of M. Duffany Builders explained, “The Blitz build is an opportunity for HBRACC members, including local builders, suppliers, and community partners, to help our community members with housing. We all know how tough homeownership is, and this is a great way for the organization to help Habitat’s mission.”
Homeownership applications are open through Tuesday, March 31, 2026, for affordable homes in Bourne, Brewster, and Falmouth, including the 2026 Blitz Build home. Homes are priced between $233,400 and $320,250 and will be purchased by income-qualified families, selected via blind lottery. All homes are deed-restricted to remain affordable in perpetuity.
Future homeowners work alongside volunteers before purchasing their homes. Applications and eligibility information are available at habitatcapecod.org. Habitat Cape Cod homes feature solar panels, no fossil fuels or combustion systems, air-to-air heat pumps, energy recovery ventilation systems, and net-zero construction standards.
Tara Cronin, Director of Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, said, “We are so grateful that HBRACC jumps in every two years to build a Habitat home in just five days. Beyond helping one family, the Blitz shines a light on how much Cape Cod really needs more affordable homeownership options.”
She added, “We also want people to cheer on and support all the builders, electricians, plumbers, painters, suppliers, project managers, and small businesses who donate their time and materials to make the Blitz happen. We encourage you to hire one of them when you need help. As September gets closer, the message is simple: one home, one family, one week, one incredible community effort.”
In just five days, an empty lot will become a home — and a local family will move one step closer to stability, security, and a future on Cape Cod.
The 2026 Blitz leadership committee includes Daniel Allen, Mary Campbell, Tara Cronin, Wendy Cullinan, Kathy Glynn, Sandra Harrison, and Michele O’Brien from Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod; Stefanie Coxe and Katie Minehart of HBRACC; Sam Duffany as Project Lead; Peter Kimball of M. Duffany Builders as Committee Chair; Anton Emelianov of White Wood Kitchens; Joshua Jalbert, Mary Moniz, and Dan Whiting of Shepley Wood Products; Michelle Meagher of KAM Appliances; Andrew Philbrook of Philbrook Construction; Fallon Rice Everman of Mid Cape Home Centers; and Andrea Baerenwald of Sandy Neck Media.
A groundbreaking ceremony with the Blitz Committee is planned for April 28 at 3 p.m. at the Gifford Street Extension build site.
Habitat is currently seeking sponsors to cover a day of hospitality, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, for each volunteer group. Cape & Coast Bank has already sponsored Monday.
For more information, visit habitatcapecod.org or email Tara@habitatcapecod.org.
About HBRACC:
The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod (HBRACC) represents trusted local building professionals committed to a strong Code of Ethics — giving homeowners confidence in their work. The Association advances the industry through education and advocacy for housing attainability and provides a public, searchable member directory at capecodbuilders.org.
About Habitat Cape Cod:
Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod has built nearly 200 homes from Bourne to Provincetown, and in 2026, new builds in Falmouth, Brewster, and Pocasset will begin. Additional builds over the next few years are planned for Yarmouth, Marstons Mills, Orleans, and North Falmouth. Qualifying families are selected via drawing. Future homeowners contribute sweat equity by helping build their homes alongside local volunteers, and then they purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage. Habitat Cape Cod has been nationally recognized for building energy-efficient, affordable homes. All homes are deed-restricted to remain affordable in perpetuity. Habitat Cape Cod relies on the generosity of our community to build affordable homes with local Cape Cod families. To ensure gifts stay local, donors must donate online at habitatcapecod.org or via mail to 411 Main Street, Suite 6, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675.