Press Release  Orleans District Probation Officer helps organize Volunteer Day to build homes for struggling families on the Cape

Orleans, MA —  

MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Orleans District Court Probation and Clerk Office staff -- as well as three judges-- will help build a Truro home for a struggling family with Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod as part of the first Orleans Trial Court Volunteer Day on Saturday, May 5, from 9 am to 3 pm.

The group of 18 court officials will help construct a home on Route 6 in Truro, which is the site of three houses under construction. Orleans District Assistant Chief Probation Officer R. Wayne Chase helped organize the court’s first Volunteer Day.

“Many people are struggling to live on the Cape because of the cost of living, seasonal employment, and the rising cost of housing,” Chase said.

A  four-decade probation employee who also happens to be a licensed contractor, Chase has been volunteering to build houses as part of Habitat for Humanity almost every Saturday since 2016. According to Chase, there are approximately 130 Habitat for Humanity homes that have been built on the Cape covering all 15 towns. Currently under construction are the three Truro, five in Brewster and 31 proposed homes to be built in Wellfleet, Falmouth, Mashpee, Dennis, and Harwich.

Homeowners are required to perform 250 hours of work in the construction of the home. They receive a 65 percent reduction in cost.

“The nicest part is that the homeowner gets to help build the home they live in and for me and with the fellowship of volunteers, it is a great way to give back to the community and support the families of Cape Cod,” said Chase.

The Massachusetts Probation Service’s mission is to increase community safety, reduce recidivism, contribute to the fair and equitable administration of justice, support victims and survivors, and assist individuals and families in achieving long-term positive change.

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