KAWARTHA LAKES-“Hopefully by this time next year two lucky families will be preparing to spend Christmas in their new Habitat for Humanity homes in Bobcaygeon.” Christina Skuce Director of Philanthropy & Communications, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region told Kawartha 411.
Habitat is in the planning stages of building their first two homes in Bobcaygeon. They have secured building lots on East Street North and are looking for families in the community who need a “hand up”. “We want to let people know that’s it’s about more than the bricks and mortar that it takes to build these homes in Bobcaygeon.” Skuce says. “By people contributing, whether its a cash donation or by volunteering their time, donating their services or product they are helping to give families in the Bobcaygeon community the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and for their children.”
The number of applicants on the centralized waiting list for subsidized housing in the region has increased by 155.8% (799 applicants) from a total of 513 applicants in 2012 to 1,312 applicants in 2017 according to a study done by SHS Consulting. “We have been hearing from families in the community and different residents that there is a definite need and as I mentioned we are tyring to go to the different communties to build the homes because affordable housing is an issue everywhere whether it be Bobcyageon, Fenelon Falls. Omemee, Lakefield or Peterbough.”Skuce explains.
Skuce says they chose Bobcaygeon for a number of reasons. “Often what it comes down to for us is where we can get the property. So an opportunity came up where we could find a piece of property where we could build decent homes at an affordable price and we had some members of the community that were stepping up and willing to start the process.”
While the property has been secured Habitat is still taking applications from families. Habitat for Humanity partners with families who are ready for the responsibility and challenges of homeownership. To qualify for a Habitat home, you must meet the following criteria:
Need for Affordable Housing
- Current housing is substandard; either overcrowded, unsafe or high rent relative to your income and /or you would not qualify for a traditional mortgage.
Ability to Pay
- Have a stable/consistent source of income
- Your income must be within the low income cut-off range. People receiving social assistance may apply if there is an additional source of income in the family
- You must not have an overwhelming amount of debt (Any bankruptcy has been discharged for at least 3 years)
- All family members must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and have worked or lived in Peterborough, Peterborough County, City of Kawartha Lakes or Haliburton for 1 year
- Your annual family income must fall between $30,000 – $64,300
Willingness to Partner
- You are willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity; families must achieve 500 ‘sweat equity ‘ hours by helping to construct their own home or through various Habitat programs
- You are willing to accept all the responsibilities of homeownership including insurance, taxes, utilities, maintenance and other common homeowner expenses
- Your are willing to participate in Habitat’s ‘Family Partner Program’ which offers support and guidance in all aspects of homeownership
- You are willing to work towards building solid relationships with volunteers donors, community members and neighbours as a Habitat homeowner
Applications can be found at http://habitatpeterborough.ca/homeownership/ or by calling 705-750-1456.
Monetary donations, donations of supplies and in kind services such as plumbing, electrical or contracting are also being accepted. “We are really at the beginning stages right now so if someone is looking at getting involved right from the very begninning and see the project right through to completion and see the dedication and the families moving in, it’s a great time to get connected with habitat.” Skuce explains.
You can also donate any gently used goods or excess goods to the Peterborugh or Lindsay Re-Store. “We will take those goods and re-sell them to the public. You are going to avoid putting them in the landfill and all the money from those sales is going to help put people into homes.”
It’s a great place to go shopping for items at a reasonable price. “They can take pride in know that their contribution is going directly to home building efforts right in their community and its going to help fund safe and affordable housing.”
Habitat Peterborough Kawartha is currently building two new homes in Curve Lake and Two in Lindsay. Click here for more information on Habitat for Humanity click here :http://habitatpeterborough.ca/donate/
