Habitat for Humanity is active in Whitecourt

 

By Nerissa McNaughton

 

Did you know that Habitat for Humanity is an active presence in Whitecourt? Last month saw the organization give their 8th set of house keys to a deserving family in town.

 

Habitat for Humanity was founded by Clarence Jordan and Millard and Linda Fuller, who wanted to provide partnership housing – a model that involves those that need shelter working with volunteers to build affordable homes at no profit. Once completed, the homeowners’ house payments are supported with no-interest loans. The concept was tried in 1973 in (what is now) the Democratic Republic of Congo. Habitat for Humanity International was formally established in 1976 in America, and came to Canada in 1985. The first Canadian Habitat home was built in Manitoba. Now, Habitat Canada has 56 local chapters and operates in every province and territory.

 

This housing model is very successful and is having a positive impact on the 1.6 million Canadian families that do not have access to safe, affordable housing.

 

A statement on their website confirms, “Research has shown that Habitat homeowners are happier, healthier and more financially stable, which can allow them to return to school, learn a new trade or upgrade their job skills. Meanwhile, their children are more confident and do better in school. But the benefits of a Habitat home reach far beyond the four walls these families help build. Through reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better education and employment outcomes, and improved health, every Habitat home built helps create $175,000 worth of benefits for the local community.”[1]

 

Habitat homes are not free. The program’s philosophy is “a hand up, not a hand out.” Criteria to qualify for a Habitat (Canadian) home includes: no previous home ownership, children under the age of 18 living in the home, Canadian citizenship, currently living in substandard housing and lacking the ability to purchase a home, a gross family income between $32,000-$62,000, a good credit rating, 500 volunteer hours within the program, and more.

 

If you are interested in the program as a potential homeowner or volunteer, contact the Edmonton branch, or visit www.hfh.org/homeowner and www.hfh.org/volunteer.

 

[1] https://www.habitat.ca/impactp4231.php