Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent has officially broken ground on a new house that will provide a home for two local families.
The organization began construction on a home on Houston Street in Chatham on Monday. The project marks the eighth and ninth build for Habitat for Humanity CK, the first time the organization has constructed a semi-detached home for two families.
“It’s kind of a big deal for us… It’s added to the excitement and the coolest thing about this is the lot that we’re building on was donated to us by a homeowner that used to live there,” said Habitat volunteer manager Anne Taylor. “His only request to us was obviously that we place a family there, and we’ve been able to kind of double his wish.”
Taylor said Habitat is currently looking at applications and expressions of interest from local families, but a selection has yet to be made.
“This is the first time we’ve broken ground without families [selected], that is true. But we’re very confident that we will find two families,” she said. “We’re hoping by the time we finalize our build — probably four to six months — we’ll have two families for this unit.”
AUBI (Agri-Urban Buildings) will oversee the construction of the home, which measures 1,150 square feet for each unit. The project is also supported by several local businesses such as Sacwal Flooring, Mylen Custom Kitchens, CK Tubs and Taps, MOJO Drywall, and Sherwin Williams.
“The local business community has once again really stepped up to help support this. We really wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” said Taylor.
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.
