APRIL 29 - MAY 12, 2011 $485,750
$439,900
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Responding to Affordable Housing Needs By Heather Grummett
T
he latest build has launched for Habitat for Humanity Wellington County (HFHWC). Scheduled to begin construction in early June, the fully detached single-family dwelling will be located at 439 York Road & will be the 2nd annual Women Build. Over a million families live in poverty in Canada and over 26,000 of those families live in Guelph or Wellington County. “Providing a hand up and not a hand out is why Habitat For Humanity Wellington County is building decent, affordable homes through the help of community partners and numerous volunteers,” says Josee Ottenbrite, Chair, Women Build Special Events Committee for HFHWC and Sales Representative for Royal LePage Royal City Realty. “The need in our community is very real.” The homebuilding program of Habitat for Humanity is an effective way to respond to these realities as it ensures that shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross household income and leaves families with adequate amounts for other living expenses. Homes are sold with no profit, no down payment and an interest free mortgage.
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Having built 16 homes to date, HFHWC hopes to do five builds in the Guelph Wellington area this year. A County Build in Fergus, a Faith Build that will see various churches throughout the city volunteering their time, a General Build, a Women Build, and a Corporate Build with the help of a grant received from Whirlpool. “It costs approximately $180,000 to build a home, including the cost of land,” says Diane Nelson, Executive Director for HFHWC. “We are fortunate this year to receive a $100,000 grant from Whirlpool, a $10,000 grant from Home Depot for a sustainability project, and a $60,000 gift from elementary school student Karson Simpson.” The Guelph grade six student won a nationwide “Meaning of Home” writing contest sponsored by Genworth Financial, where part of the prize was a donation to the Habitat for Humanity branch of her choice.
“In spite of these wonderful gifts we still need the support of local businesses and individuals, both financially and as volunteer builders, to make each build happen on schedule,” adds Nelson. “2010 saw Guelph’s first “Women Build” and HFHWC is hoping to set a trend by making Women Build an annual event,” says Ottenbrite. “The build combines women of all demographics in a nonintimidating build environment to improve confidence and construction skills. The women all strive for the same goal – creating a world where every family has a safe and decent place to live.” Under the direction of both men and women skilled tradespersons, Women Build is not about excluding men, but including women, as women typically represent only one third of volunteers on Habitat build sites.
“We hope more people will join us in achieving this goal,” adds Ottenbrite. “Volunteers are needed not just to build a house but also to provide services to the volunteers on site and our efforts in fundraising.” Volunteer opportunities include build volunteers who can give eight days of work out of the 16week schedule; hybrid build volunteers who raise a minimum of $150 and build three days; fundraising volunteers who help raise $500 or more; and committee volunteers. “Participating in Women Build 2010 was a very rewarding experience. Not only did I learn great skills such as building wall frames, installing siding and windows, drywall and laying shingles - working with the other volunteers for a common goal was great,” says Christine Hass, Sales Representative with Royal LePage Royal City Realty. “When it comes to supporting the needs within our community, I believe every little bit counts. I am very excited about volunteering again this year, both at the site and as an event volunteer.” Revenue from the Habitat ReStore funds HFHWC staff and administration costs, allowing donations to go directly to purchasing land and construction costs. Special events throughout the year help with these costs. Visit www.habitatwellington.on.ca for events and volunteer information.
Visit our website for a list of open houses this weekend
www.GuelphAndDistrictREALTORS.ca