The homebuilding charity is now looking for land and retail space to build one of its popular ReStore outlets in North Bay next year.
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores are clearing centres for donated new and gently used construction materials and household goods says a news release from the group. By funding the organization’s operating overhead, ReStores ensure that 100 percent of all donations to Habitat, plus profit from the stores themselves, is dedicated to Habitat’s affordable homeownership program.
In addition to opening a store locally, it also announced that at least two more North Bay families will be in Habitat homes in the near future as Habitat for Humanity ramps-up its local activity.
See: Habitat for Humanity allows family to literally come home
"The twin announcements represent a renewal of Habitat’s commitment to the city of North Bay and its community," says Michael Price, president of the regional Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North board of directors. “Studies have demonstrated the tremendous benefits of affordable homeownership for our partner families. Those benefits range from improved physical, mental and financial well-being for the family, to greater academic achievement and increased participation of their children in extracurricular arts and sports.
"Stronger families,” Price adds, “make for stronger communities.”
The organization’s model is to recruit volunteer help and donated materials to build decent, basic housing on land that is often donated or provided at low-cost.
“Selected hard-working families that wouldn’t qualify for a conventional bank mortgage are offered a chance to purchase the Habitat home at fair market value under an interest-free mortgage,” Price explained. That purchase comes only after the family has invested 500 hours of voluntary ‘sweat equity’ with Habitat or in approved community service. Once a year, mortgage payments are re-aligned to the family’s annual income."
The organization is aggressively pursuing building lots and fixer-upper opportunities in the city limits, Price says, with construction to begin as soon as possible.
If you would like to join the North Bay Habitat Chapter as a sponsor, partner, or volunteer contact Habitat’s Director of Director of Development Britta Gerwin at (705) 646-0106 ext. 205 or email [email protected]
