There will soon be a home for Habitat.
Habitat for Humanity’s Vernon chapter has purchased property at 2404 35th Ave. and construction will begin in the spring for affordable housing.
“This lot will support a triplex and the location is ideal for families to be near schools, shopping and downtown,” said Glory Westwell, Habitat chairperson.
The first step is demolition of the existing abandoned home on the property.
A general contractor will then be identified as will a volunteer co-ordinator to handle the logistics of the people involved in the project.
An accountant has already volunteered their skills, as has an architect, flooring company and a bathroom supply company.
About $150,000 has been raised to date, and there is still a need for another $250,000.
“The spot to go to donate, volunteer, nominate a worthy partner family and keep in touch with progress is www.vernonhabitat.com,” said Beth Marks, who has been part of the Habitat Champs fundraising team.
Habitat is actively now accepting nominations for deserving families to take part in the project.
In lieu of a cash down payment, partner families contribute with 500 hours of sweat equity and mortgage payments are designed to be affordable.
“Family is not limited to a typical nuclear family,” said Westwell.
“Regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation, Habitat is looking for those community members with children who would make great neighbours, are interested in bettering their communities and will be reliable in fulfilling their responsibilities of home ownership.
Marks is enthusiastic about the project.
“Habitat has an impeccable track record for the right formula to enable great people with limited access to down payments realize the joy and stability and pride of home ownership,” she said.
“The spin-off benefits of stability and pride for children are impressive,” she said.
“We see this as the start of a movement to secure affordable, decent and safe housing for our great community.”
