Imagine having to choose between food and shelter. According to Habitat for Humanity, more than one million Canadians cannot afford both.
On a local level, the Sunshine Coast chapter of Habitat for Humanity is making great strides to change this statistic for the better. The non-profit organization, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, is attracting enthusiastic volunteers and community partners to build affordable housing and provide home-ownership opportunities to those who might otherwise not have them. They also operate a bustling new-and-used building supply outlet called ReStore, in Wilson Creek.
On the home front, the group has already completed one home in Gibsons. And in Sechelt, along Reef Road, construction is gearing up for completion of their latest building project, a cheery duplex to house two more families. The split-level house is looking fantastic, but there is still painting to be done and cabinets to be hung. It's all hands on deck now as the focus is on finishing this project before the end of the year. "We really want to get our families in by Christmas," says Sunshine Coast Habitat board chair Charlie Russel.
Habitat's goal is to provide home ownership to low income families as a means of breaking the poverty cycle. Qualifying families buy their homes from Habitat and pay 30 per cent of their annual income towards their mortgage. Down payments are provided by way of sweat equity - 500 volunteer hours from the family are required, building their own or other Habitat homes. "The biggest challenge for every chapter is obtaining land," said Russell. That's why he's particularly excited about Habitat's next project, called Sunshine Coast Village, in Wilson Creek, near Canadian Tire.
Currently completing final engineering requirements and permitting, this innovative development will be built in phases and contain seven duplexes, housing 14 families upon completion. Not only will Sunshine Coast Village be a fine model of affordable housing on the Coast, it will also be eco-friendly.
"We want to make this project as green as possible," adds Russel. All units are planned to have solar water heating, and the project is designed to use less concrete and hard surfaces, with a proposed waste-water management system. The success of the local Habitat chapter is largely due to the dedication of its board and volunteers. In 2007, volunteers donated more than 10,000 hours of time to Habitat for Humanity Sunshine Coast. People are always needed to help build the houses, and donations of construction materials are also gratefully received. Others prefer to participate in fundraising events or make tax deductible donations.
You can also support ReStore, a great source for new and used building materials at reasonable prices. The 3,500 sq. ft. store and yard has recently relocated to 4494 Hilltop Rd., adjacent to the airport in Wilson Creek. It's open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. They accept and sell donations that are in working order including: windows, doors, cabinets, large appliances, lumber, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, hardware, tools and paint. "We're hoping that contractors will also consider ReStore when doing demo on a home or space," notes Dennis Hollis, ReStore manager. Part-time staffer Meg Stevens points out a complete kitchen that was meticulously removed and donated to ReStore. It's in great shape and a bargain at $850.
"And, of course, we can always use more volunteers," Hollis adds with a smile.
For more information, visit www.habitatsc.ca.
