Habitat for Humanity is planning to build its second home in Campbell River – four years after its first build which today provides two local families with affordable housing.
While Habitat homes have been booming in the Comox Valley, things have been moving at a slower pace in Campbell River as it’s been a struggle for the non-profit to acquire the appropriate land and money.
“To build a habitat home we need four things – land, money, people and partner families,” said Deb Roth, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North. “Finally we can cross one of those items off the list. As of April 19 we have land. Our last build in Campbell River was in 2009 and since then Riverites have been waiting. We are so thrilled to announce that we have purchased a duplex lot and are gearing up for our next Campbell River build.”
The lot purchased by Habitat for the new duplex is on Hilchey Road. Roth said the goal is to start building in late spring or early summer.
Habitat will be looking for volunteers to help build the home, as well as partner families.
The homes are aimed at young families with the goal of giving them a hand up, rather than a hand out. A duplex built by Habitat for Humanity and local volunteers on Maple Street has benefited two local families since it was built in 2009.
The homeowners must pay an interest-free mortgage, with payments set at 30 per cent of the family’s income. Mortgage payments collected from Habitat families go towards building new homes.
The family must also put in 500 volunteer hours of sweat equity (volunteer labour) before they can purchase their new home.
But before the building can begin, Habitat is looking for volunteers.
“To get the ball rolling we will be looking for volunteers to develop our Build Committee, Family Selection Committee as well as fundraising and PR (public relations) committees,”
Roth said.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact Deanna Hunt, Habitat’s volunteer coordinator, at 250-830-1493.
To fill out an application to become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, simply pick up an application after May 15 at the Campbell River ReStore (1725 B Willow Street) which sells gently used household items to raise money for future Habitat for Humanity homes.