The excitement is building for Habitat for Humanity staff who are preparing to build its second Campbell River home.
The non-profit society is planning to construct a duplex at 480 Hilchey Road for two lucky families.
In order to make the build possible, Habitat is calling on the community for volunteers.
Deb Roth, the executive director of the Vancouver Island North branch of Habitat for Humanity, said a Sept. 21 information session was sparsely attended so Roth will be trying again to recruit volunteers.
Because the amount of work that needs to be done can be a bit overwhelming, Habitat is breaking down the information sessions into two groups.
The first session will be held to recruit a family selection committee. The meeting will be held Tues., Oct. 22 at the Campbell River Habitat for Humanity ReStore (1725 Willow Street) at 6:30 p.m.
Roth said the session will be for “anyone interested in home ownership or helping as part of the family selection team.”
Families are chosen based on a set of criteria established by Habitat for Humanity.
For example, families must have full custody of at least one child under the age of 18 and there has to be a need for adequate shelter. The family must also be willing to put in 500 hours of sweat equity or volunteer labour with Habitat. Successful applicants must also have a regular income that is not Employment Insurance or Income Assistance as the family must pay back an affordable, interest-free loan with no down payment. Monthly payments towards the loan are based on approximately 30 per cent of gross monthly household income.
After a committee is formed to select the two families for next summer’s Hilchey build, a second information session will be held at a date still to be determined to recruit a fundraising team.
In order to build the home, Habitat for Humanity needs to raise $200,000, according to Roth who hopes to begin construction in June, 2014.
Habitat for Humanity has helped 10 North Island families become homeowners since 2004, with most of the builds being in the Comox Valley.