After months of blood, sweat and tears, you might think Ed Hawkins and Habitat for Humanity Sunshine Coast are getting tired of playing the waiting game.
But despite what happened on Tuesday night in Gibsons, Habitat appears strong and committed to "fighting the good fight."They're disappointed with the decision, but they vow to work with all involved to come up with solutions so everyone gets what they want.
On Tuesday night, when a land donation by the Town of Gibsons seemed ready to go ahead, council did an about face and decided to defer the matter to its planning committee March 8.
This sudden change came about after two delegations from area residents raised enough concerns to delay the process.
The residents said they were not against Habitat for Humanity, just against building on the Headlands Road lot. One of the delegations went so far as to accuse "the media" of portraying the residents as being "nimby" (not in my back yard).
Throughout this whole process, we have never used the word "nimby" in any of our coverage. We have presented both sides of this issue in our news stories, letters to the editor and opinions.
So here we stand at a real crossroads. Council has given the residents a chance to put their money where their mouth is, so to speak.
If the residents are genuine in what they say - that they believe in Habitat, believe in affordable housing - then they will work with council on a solution.
The delegations told council they would love to investigate a fundraising opportunity to aid Habitat in purchasing a piece of property elsewhere on the Coast.
If this is true, why has no one from the neighbourhood approached Habitat to help?
We have two weeks before this discussion goes to council again - two weeks to come up with some solutions.
The need for affordable housing on the Coast exists now. We can't wait much longer.
