2026 Summer Update
Valley is a certified community development nonprofit based in Northampton, supporting our community with economic development and affordable rental and homeownership opportunities since 1988. We take pride in being a small organization with an outsized impact.
Our staff are passionate about our work, are nimble and creative in their approach, and proudly live and work in the communities we serve.
Not Just Building Buildings. We're Building Communities.
The Massachusetts housing market remains one of the most costly and competitive in the country. We build affordable housing because we believe that access to a safe and stable place to live is a fundamental right. Our work is about more than the construction of buildings and homes, it is also about strengthening the communities that live and work in them.
This Summer, residents at Prospect Place, the transformation of the former Northampton nursing home, came together through a collaborative mural project facilitated by local artists Kim Carlino and Michael Crigler. People of all ages and artistic abilities were encouraged to pick up a brush. The final piece – painted by the community for the community – radiates a joyful energy.
Our developments like Prospect Place and Amherst Community Homes, a 30-unit affordable townhouse community, not only provide much-needed low-cost housing, but also bolster the local workforce economy by creating construction jobs.
419 Affordable Homes Developed
Over Valley’s nearly 40 years of community development, we have created 419 units of affordable rental and owner-based housing in Hampshire County and remain steadfast in our mission. With the recent Planning Board approval of 33 King Street, Valley and The Community Builders will create 91 new apartments right in the heart of downtown Northampton. Massachusetts is consistently one of the most expensive states to rent or buy, and the cost of housing is cited as a top policy concern by community members, regardless of which county they live in. Valley is stepping up to make our community more affordable and vibrant.
Helping Small Businesses Grow Beyond the Kitchen
Kate Forest and Missy Doe first learned to make soap together in their kitchen, following tutorials from another artisan. What began as a bonding activity to
celebrate Missy’s birthday flourished into Forest Doe Botanicals. Together, the pair create plant-based organic body care products and curate eco-conscious gifts with a mission: better for your body, better for the planet.
Today, Forest Doe Botanicals has grown far beyond its kitchen beginnings, with its home base at the Urban Food Brood in Springfield. The pair say they couldn’t have reached this point without the support of Valley’s small business team. That support helped the couple navigate the unique challenges of building a business as spouses. Missy watched the transformation firsthand. “After Kate meets with the team at Valley, she comes home so excited about what she’s learned,” Missy says. “I’ve learned so much through her, and we’ve felt supported throughout this journey.”
Forest Doe Botanicals continues to expand with a new retail presence at the Mill District General Store in Amherst.
When working with Eyad, I get to this grounded place of calm. I just found out our business has grown 68% since last year, and I had no idea. We reinvest everything, so seeing those numbers was an incredible moment. It made me realize we’re doing ok.
Kate Forest, Co-Owner of Forest Doe Botanicals
Helping Make a House a Home
What makes a house a home? For Jamie S., the defining factor is the safety of her four children, especially for her youngest son, who has autism. “When you have a child with autism, it’s like parenting times 100. You’re constantly thinking about how to keep them safe.”
Jamie’s son has a hard time falling asleep. Spending time outdoors helps him regulate but brings its own set of challenges. With an unfenced yard, Jamie’s son would wander off across the street. It became clear to her that the layout of their home presented serious safety concerns.
Through guidance from Valley and a loan from the Home Modification Loan Program, Jamie added a fourth bedroom and a screened porch, creating spaces tailored to her son’s needs. Jamie worked with Homeownership Program Manager Donna Cabana throughout the application process. “She was amazing,” Jamie says. “I absolutely loved working with her.” When approval for the porch was initially denied, Donna stayed engaged, supporting Jamie in every step of the way. “She was there the whole time. She helped any way that she could without overstepping.”
Her son enjoys having a room of his own just as much as any other kid, but Jamie was granted invaluable peace of mind as a mother.
How You Can Support Our Work
Like many nonprofits that operate in support of vulnerable populations and communities, Valley has been impacted by cuts in funding. Your donation helps
sustain our work to strengthen small businesses, expand access to affordable housing, and reduce barriers to homeownership.
Donors who can make a gift of $1,000 or more receive half of their donation back as a state tax credit or refund through the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program.
Learn more about all our donation options – valleycdc.org/donate.