Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North is welcoming seven families into newly built homes in Courtenay.
They will be welcomed in a ceremony tomorrow, an event that executive director Jeff West describes as a major milestone.
“It’s what we work for, it’s what our whole organization works for, the volunteers, employees, and all of our donors and sponsors,” said West.
“It’s an indication that seven families are going to own their own homes and be on the path to financial independence.”
Habitat selects families within a certain income-level band, are inadequately housed in some way, and are willing to contribute 500 hours of volunteer time to help build the homes.
According to West, all seven families successfully met the criteria.
He adds that there are a number of channels to help them raise money for these projects.
“The way we raise money is through fundraising events, government grants, and a huge part of our fundraising comes from operating the re-stores,” said West.
“We also receive donations from members of the public, companies, as well as gift-in-kind in terms of services and goods that local companies provide for us to build the homes.”
Habitat are waiting for an occupancy permit from the city. Once it’s issued, they’ll transfer the homes to the families, allowing them to move in immediately.
The ceremony will run from 4 to 6:30 in the afternoon on Piercy Avenue.
