Habitat to build its largest development yet
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This article was published 12/11/2021 (573 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization that is planning to build the largest housing development in the charity’s history in Transcona.
With the use of volunteers and community partners, Habitat for Humanity works with people from all walks of life to build safe, decent and affordable housing for purchase by low-income working families. The homes can be purchased with no money down and will have an interest-free mortgage.
On Oct. 29, Habitat for Humanity broke ground in the 900 block of Pandora Avenue West in a ceremony celebrating its plan to build 55 new townhomes. The development will consist of 11 buildings with five townhomes in each and is expected to take three years to complete.
The previous landowners sold the property to Habitat as they felt it would be better utilized for a community of families than commercial buildings.
Michelle Pereira, Habitat for Humanity’s vice-president of marketing, communications and philanthropy reported that the Habitat townhomes will have zero greenhouse gas emissions and will be highly energy efficient. The homes will be powered by Manitoba-made renewable energy and will not use oil or gas.
Habitat for Humanity partners with families who do not qualify for traditional mortgages and are ready for the responsibility of home ownership. Family selection is based on three principles: need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with Habitat.
There are a number of eligibility criteria that must be met by families interested in owning a home. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and their present housing must either be too expensive, too small, substandard or unsafe.
Families must also contribute “sweat equity” of 500 hours by either assisting with home building or by helping in one of their ReStores. Preference is given to families with young children.
Families can review all of the eligibility criteria on the Habitat for Humanity website and can sign up to receive email updates about upcoming intake sessions for the home ownership program.
Those who wish to help support Habitat for Humanity may do so in a number of different ways. Donations of new and gently used home furnishings, appliances and renovation materials can be made at any of the ReStores and curb side pickup is available. All donations to the ReStore qualify for tax receipts based on the estimated resale value in the store. Financial donations can be made via the Habitat website.
Individuals can also volunteer their time working in one of the ReStores or on a build site. Applications for volunteer builders will start again next spring.
For further information on Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitat.mb.ca
Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca
Cindy Murdoch
Transcona community correspondent
Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca