For the Winnipeg division of Habitat for Humanity, 2011 was a record-breaking building year, as 23 total homes went up for families in need in Manitoba.
The national non-profit organization engaged over 1,000 volunteers and hundreds of working professionals to build 21 new homes in Winnipeg and two in Virden.
It was also the biggest year yet for both material and financial donations, according to Ken McIntyre, a Habitat for Humanity spokesperson.
Despite outdoing their previous best of 18 houses in 2009, Habitat for Humanity continues to feel the crunch when it comes to helping those in need of affordable homes.
“[The housing demand] is endless,” said McIntyre. “We get over 500 calls a year; it’s basically at a crisis point. [...] There’s not many options for affordable housing that’s safe and decent in Winnipeg.”
Looking to beat their own record in 2012, Habitat for Humanity aims to build 25 houses for their 25th anniversary. They incorporated in 1987.
“This year is a milestone, and we keep growing,” said McIntyre. “Every year we become more efficient. Next year we’re also expanding regionally, spreading our wings through rural Manitoba.”
The program allows lower-income families to partner with the non-profit, purchase their home with no downpayment and take on an interest-free mortgage. Eligible home owners are also required to work “sweat equity,” volunteering between 350 and 500 building hours on their future property.
“The underlying message is that we don’t give away homes,” said McIntyre, who added there are some misconceptions about the organization. “These people are like everyone else, they’re working but have nowhere to go. With us, they pay their own way, but we help them get started. It’s a unique program.”
For more information or to donate to Habitat for Humanity, check out www.habitat.mb.ca.
