CMHC Helps Build a Child’s Bedroom at Launch of Habitat for Humanity’s 2011 Howe Drive Build
Posted by: Toronto Real Estate Admin / Category: News Bulletin
KITCHENER, ON, August 15, 2011 — A family of six will soon have a home to call their own in the community being built by Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region on Howe Drive in Kitchener.
One of the townhomes under construction as part of the 2011 Howe Drive build will be home to Brian and Janet Dodds and their four children, Joshua, Sarah, Brandon, and Nathan. Long-time Habitat partner Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is sponsoring a bedroom for one of the children with funds raised through charitable events.
“Today is the launch of the next phase of our Howe Drive build and with the completion of each home we are closer to our vision of creating communities where everyone has a safe and decent place to live,” said Jerry Lawlor, Director of Development, Habitat for Humanity, Waterloo Region. “We are pleased to be building with CMHC as we work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of our partner families.”
In 2010, Habitat for Humanity began working on their current building project of 15 townhomes on Howe Drive, near Westmount and Ottawa. Habitat added the finishing touches to the first five homes this past winter and now partner families and volunteers are hard at work building the next block of six homes.
“CMHC has a long partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Ontario and we support their vital role in community development through building affordable, safe and sustainable homes. It’s very rewarding for CMHC to be part of this,” said Peter Friedmann, General Manager, Ontario Region, CMHC.
Janet Dodds recalls getting the phone call on her birthday that Habitat for Humanity would be building her family a new home. “The best gift I could ever have imagined, and just what I needed. I was ecstatic,” said Janet.
The Dodds are counting the days until they leave their three-bedroom rental unit – it’s just too small for a family of six. And it’s not just the new home the Dodds are excited about. It’s also their new community.
“There’s turnover in our rentals, and we don’t know all our neighbours,” said Brian. “When you own it, you’re working together and you want to keep the place looking good because you care about it.”
Families who purchase homes from Habitat for Humanity are selected based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the Habitat for Humanity program and their ability to repay the no-interest mortgage. Families also provide 500 hours of construction labour, or “sweat equity,” which helps develop their personal commitment to their home and their community.
Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, one of the oldest affiliates in Canada, was established in 1988. Its mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. Habitat for Humanity has built and renovated over 90 homes to assist hardworking low-income families in Waterloo Region.
CMHC has been Canada’s national housing agency for more than 65 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, environmentally sustainable, affordable housing solutions, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.
For more information please contact:
Jerry Lawlor
Director of Development
Habitat for Humanity, Waterloo Region
519-747-0664 ext. 29
Judith Binder
Corporate Representative
CMHC
1-877-435-7988
Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2011/2011-08-15-1200.cfm
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