Stay home. Simple instructions designed to keep us safe this spring, but for some people it’s been easier said than done.
Trying to work remotely while home-schooling in a one-bedroom apartment? Yearning for exercise when parks are closed and you don’t have a backyard? Worried about passing infection in a small living space, when essential work puts you at risk?
“I think the pandemic has highlighted just what housing instability can mean,” says Habitat for Humanity’s Kelly King.
Habitat for Humanity Victoria is building 11 new homes in Central and North Saanich, offering a stable foundation for hard-working families in the Capital Region. The goal is to give these families a hand up, not a hand-out, creating an uplift that lasts generations. Habitat’s partner families work as caregivers, lab technicians, construction workers, educators and more; many provide the essential services that have kept Greater Victoria running smoothly this spring.
“These are self-motivated families with drive, who are willing to put in the hard work required for their long-term success,” King says.
200 donors in 100 days
“We are thrilled to have finally broken ground on these builds – the largest number of concurrent homes under construction in our history,” says Yolanda Meijer, CEO of Habitat Victoria. “Now that the shovels are in, we need your help to keep things on track, as we expect these builds to move very quickly!”
Construction has begun, but more funds are needed to complete the active builds. Right now, Habitat Victoria is looking for 200 donors in 100 days to help bring these families home. With a minimum donation of $1,000 per person ($2,000 per couple), their goal is to raise $200,000 between June 23 and Sept. 30. A full 100 per cent of the funds raised will go directly to building these homes, so it’s a great opportunity to support your local community.
“What makes Habitat homes affordable is a combination of the mortgage terms we provide and the way we build,” King says. “By working with the community to both raise funds and keep the build costs down through donated product and services, we make every dollar count.”
Applications are open for homeownership
Habitat Victoria is still looking for partner families. Visit habitatvictoria.com/homeownership-inquiry to see if you qualify, and submit an application. Families must be living in need, have lived in the Capital Region for at least two years, have at least one young child in their care, meet income requirements, and be willing to partner with Habitat Victoria.
For more information or to donate before Sept. 30, visit habitatvictoria.com.
