Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat for Humanity is hoping to provide housing for three local families in Ladysmith next year.
To further that process, the organization has asked for a donation of land from the Town of Ladysmith.Teresa Pring, executive director, made a delegation to council at their last meeting May 16. The organization is ideally looking for a piece of property that would allow for the construction of a duplex to be able to assist two families, however any donation would be appreciated.
“We look for something that will suit a family and suit their needs. So access to shopping and schools would be first and foremost,” she said.In 2008, the Town of Ladysmith donated a parcel of land for a Habitat home that was provided to a single mom working three jobs to support her family. Pring said it was a great learning opportunity for all those involved.
Pring said the mother is currently only working one job and is able to spend more time with her two children.
“What happened in Ladysmith, for us, it was a really good example of a Habitat feeling, because we had so many people step forward to help in so many ways. We hope to have that feel-good feeling again and come back and build in this community and make a good Habitat home for a local family,” she said.
Pring said the organization is currently in the process of rebuilding their build and administration teams. Once that’s complete, the focus can then shift to the goals set for 2012. Habitat for Humanity Canada has set a nationwide goal of 1,800 homes by 2016.
“We need to financially plan for our future years,” she said.The majority of funds for Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat for Humanity come from the Restore in Nanaimo, where new and used building products are sold to the public at discount costs.
Over the last nine years, HFH has provided homes for 10 families in Nanaimo, Ladysmith and Parksville.
At the beginning stages of every build, applications are accepted from local residents. Family selection is based on need, the ability to pay an interest-free mortgage, and the family’s willingness to contribute 500 volunteer hours of Sweat Equity to Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island prior to moving into the new home.