Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent has handed over the keys to its first multi-unit house, which will provide a new home for two local families.
The organization held a key-turning ceremony for the semi-detached home on Houston Street in Chatham on Monday, marking the completion of the eighth and ninth build for Habitat for Humanity CK.
“It’s great to get to the finish line and it’s even better to get to the finish line with such an amazing family. We couldn’t be happier. The process is a long process that the families have to go through to qualify but when you end up with the result and a great family like this, it’s totally worth it,” said Anne Taylor, the office and volunteer manager for Habitat for Humanity CK.
Taylor said the house that was previously built on the property had fallen into disrepair and the owner was no longer in a position to maintain it. So upon moving away to live with family, the owner wrote a letter to Habitat for Humanity stating that he wanted to donate the land for a future project.
“Any time we get a letter or news like that, obviously we’re ecstatic. We’re just really happy that he thought of us and were able to double down on his donation with two families,” said Taylor.
Construction on the Houston Street home began in July 2023 and is the first time Habitat for Humanity CK has constructed a multi-unit home for two families. The home measures 1,150 square feet for each unit.
“I don’t ever see us going back into building single-family homes. I think we will always be building duplexes and semis, just with the way the market is and everything like that. If we have the property, why wouldn’t we try to help two families at once,” said Taylor.
One of the new homeowners, Adam Ferren, said it’s amazing what can happen when a community comes together to support others. Ferren added that his new home will be a major improvement for himself and his two children.
“I’m super excited about the little things like cutting the law, doing laundry at home. My kids are excited about having a yard to play in and nicely new painted rooms,” he said.
Habitat for Humanity helps working, lower-income families achieve their dream of owning a home. To qualify, a family must complete 500 hours of community service. They are also required to pay the mortgage on the home, which is geared to income.
Ferren said he plans to continue to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity beyond his expected community service.
“That way I can maybe give some of my volunteer hours to the next family,” he said.
AUBI (Agri-Urban Buildings) oversaw the construction of the home, which was also supported by several local businesses such as Sacwal Flooring, Mylen Custom Kitchens, CK Tubs and Taps, MOJO Drywall, and Sherwin Williams.