Habitat for Humanity

North Bay has a vacancy rate of zero percent when it comes to affordable housing City Council heard tonight during a presentation by Phil Richardson.

Richardson, chair of the local working group for Habitat for Humanity, came before council tonight seeking their support in an endeavour to secure an official affiliation with the internationally renowned group.

He says it is time for the community to address the need for affordable housing in the city as approximately 1000 families are currently waiting for a home they can afford.

“It’s time has come, clearly the need is there. Mayor Fedeli has identified the need for 900 to 1000 affordable homes for our social housing needs in the community and we don’t have them,” states Richardson.

“So we’ve got to get involved, all of us, right across the community, in helping to become resolved, and that answers the second question which is, I’m a citizen of North Bay and I feel the need as much as anyone does.

Richardson says with 75 committed members and still growing, the group has already raised $15,000 dollars of the $45,000 needed to build their first home. He also anticipates community support to swell which will allow construction on the first home to start in the Spring of 2007.

“The $15,000 has simply come in from active members of the group. We foresee a host of fundraising activities we’re going to conduct throughout the community,” he says.

“For one, we had an awareness-raising program by having a walk-a-thon at Northgate recently. More and more, as people become aware of it, they’re motivated to donate to the initiative.”

Council passed a motion to support the group’s initiative. As well, Councillor Maureen Boldt invited Richardson to make a presentation to District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board.