Chelsea Restoration Corp.

Chelsea Restoration Corporation is a nonprofit that has provided community revitalization support to Chelsea and surrounding communities since 1977. Its core work helps low- and moderate-income residents make informed home purchases and then manage them over the long term, through home buyer education, pre-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention and down payment assistance. A First Time Home Buyers Workshop is aimed at people interested in buying their first home, and the organization also offers online courses.

Helen Zucco founded the organization as a home-based effort after seeing a need in her own community, and she led it for more than 40 years before handing over the reins. Marilyn Garcia now serves as executive director, with Leisla Ortiz as assistant director, jointly supervising a small staff. Over the years the group has also rehabilitated blighted properties, some once used for drug dealing, and promoted local ownership by helping families buy them.

What to Know

• Programs are offered in both English and Spanish.
• The organization states that everyone deserves equal housing opportunities, whatever their housing situation.
• Donations help fund its education and assistance programs.
• It is listed by the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce.