Wishing to do her part to address the affordable housing crisis in Hull, one resident has named the Town of Hull Community Housing Trust in her living will.

“Due to the growing lack of affordable housing, I have decided, after careful consideration with qualified legal advice, to donate my single-family home to the Town of Hull Community Housing Trust,” said the resident, who wishes to remain anonymous. “I would like to urge other single seniors to do similarly.”

The Hull Community Housing Trust was created at the 2025 town meeting with the mission of creating and preserving affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households through providing financial support for development projects, rehabilitating existing housing, and offering programs to assist homebuyers and renters. The Trust can accept donations of real property and cash.

“It is so wonderful to see a resident step forward and support both the Trust and the maintenance of affordable housing in our town,” said Irwin Nesoff, a select board member and chair of the Trust. “I truly hope that this generous donation will help to serve as a model for what one individual can do to truly make a meaningful difference and encourage others to consider donating to the Trust in their living will.”

The resident also said that she has stipulated in her will that “the house shall remain in perpetuity under affordable housing guidelines, and that prioritization be given to first responders (police/fire) and teachers who are and remain employed by the Town of Hull.”

The home was built in the 1920s and is 686 square feet with one bedroom and one bath. This can serve as a starter home to help retain a young family in the community. It could also serve as a way for a senior (single or couple) to downsize to remain in the community.

The Trust is dedicated to receiving and managing funds and resources to increase and preserve affordable housing. As a town entity, the Trust will work with other local boards, departments, and community organizations to address housing needs.

“By taking this step, this resident has shown us all what it means to care for our town and for our neighbors,” Nesoff said. “It will be many years before the Housing Trust takes ownership of this home, but this resident’s generosity stands as a model of what it means to build for the future.”

For further information and for any questions on how to donate cash or real property, or to learn more about the Town of Hull Community Housing Trust and its mission of creating and maintaining affordable housing, contact Nesoff at inesoff@town.hull.ma.us.

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