Joshua Poitras, Home Improvement and Lead Removal Loan Client
Joshua Poitras, a single father and U.S. veteran, purchased a four-family house in January 2020. “I wanted to provide a safe home for my son, so I inquired about getting some financial help to have the house deleaded.” The house was built in 1860, and the exterior was last painted in 1978. “Loose paint was falling off,” Joshua said. He also wanted to bring his house into compliance, ensuring that the apartments would be lead safe for his current and future tenants.
Joshua contacted the City of Lowell’s Division of Planning and Development to receive information about MassHousing’s “Get the Lead Out Program”. He was referred to Ed Alcantara at the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership for assistance with his application. “Ed was extremely knowledgeable in explaining the program and putting the paperwork together. I couldn’t have done this without his help,” said Joshua.
Soon after his lead removal application was started, COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and closures began. However, the project kept moving forward despite the new challenges presented by the pandemic. Once the City of Lowell’s Department of Planning and Development completed the scope of work, the project was put out to bid.
Joshua was then referred to Steve Maguire, MCCI Loan Officer. Joshua was approved for two loans: a lead removal loan and a home improvement loan. The lead removal loan required a 0% down payment, and no monthly payments. The loan is paid back upon the sale or refinance of the house. The structural repairs were done with a second low-interest home improvement loan. “Steve Maguire of MCCI did a great job on the lending side,” said Joshua.
David Foss and Sons, LLC, was the deleading contractor. They sided the house with vinyl, wrapped the windows with aluminum, and de-leaded the interiors. “David was detailed, thorough, and kept the historical character of the woodwork.” said Joshua.
In addition to having a beautiful lead-safe home, Joshua gets a tax credit of $1,500 per unit. “I have a lead-safe home and don’t have to worry about anyone being poisoned,” Joshua said.
We’re excited to grow our team and welcome a thoughtful, mission-driven leader into the role of Small Business Lending Director. This newly created position plays a key role in our next phase of growth, leading day-to-day lending operations, managing portfolio performance, and expanding access to capital for small businesses across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. If you’re passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening local economies, and advancing financial equity, we’d love to hear from you.
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The Nectar Community Investments residential team recently attended the 2025 MassEnergize Conference, which proved to be a thoughtful and impactful event full of advocacy, connection, and shared commitment to climate action at the community level. Residential Services Director Lissette Paukert spoke on a panel about funding residential decarbonization, joining representatives from Mass Save, the Community Climate Bank and Abode to talk about ways we can make energy efficiency upgrades more accessible and affordable for Massachusetts residents. Here are a few of her insights from the conversation.
What are the biggest challenges Nectar clients face in pursuing decarbonization projects?
These days, we see some fear of financial uncertainty and a lack of trust in the energy industry due to aggressive, predatory-like marketing behaviors. That’s also due to divisiveness and misinformation in our current environment, including whether climate change is real and if decarbonization efforts even matter. When you have limited cash flow, you invest carefully in products that are going to last and not cause issues. There needs to be clear and truthful messaging around the impact of decarbonization, from both an economic and environmental perspective. Not only do homeowners need education, but it’s just as important that the contractors and all professionals …
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for Nectar’s official launch in Rhode Island. We’re thrilled to be working in the Ocean State, and engaging with the entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners and other attendees at the event boosted our sense of excitement and community.
Since our founding in Massachusetts in 2008, we’ve made it our mission to invest in community and build generational wealth. We’re continuing that commitment in Rhode Island — today, tomorrow and well into the future. This launch event was only the beginning! We’re looking forward to working together, supporting dedicated small business owners, and collaborating with ecosystem partners to build on their successful efforts throughout the state.
