Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway seeks two families for universally accessible semi-detached affordable homes on Muskoka Beach Road
February 21, 2023, Gravenhurst, ON– Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North (OGN) is tackling the affordable housing crisis in Gravenhurst. Groundbreaking for the two semi-detached houses at 369 Muskoka Beach Road is scheduled to begin in June. When complete, this project will become home to two area families in the Spring of 2024.
Speaking at last Thursday’s Ignite Gravenhurst event, Wendy Carrothers, OGN’s Program Manager, Family Partnerships, announced, "We have some great news for this community. Applications are now open for individuals and families for two energy-efficient, affordable homes right here in Gravenhurst.”
Carrothers
added, "These families will join the 75 families, including 122 children across
our Ontario Gateway North territory, who have built strength, stability, and
self-reliance through the Habitat Affordable Housing program.”
At
just over 900 square feet, the two-bedroom homes will be energy efficient,
suitable for individuals or small families, and with universal accessibility,
will be built for equity and inclusivity.
"We’re
building at a time when the need for affordable housing has never been
greater,” says Kimberley Woodcock, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway
North. "The Canadian Rental Housing Index tells us that the proportion of
renter household income spent on rent and utilities in Gravenhurst is a
shocking 57% - almost twice what the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(CMHC) defines as affordable, so we’re anticipating overwhelming interest in
this project from area families.”
Habitat
has been partnering with community-based organizations such as Gravenhurst Against
Poverty (G.A.P.) to highlight the fundamental needs of working families in the
community. G.A.P. Chair, Bonnie Dart,
offers her support. "It’s no small achievement during this current housing
crisis to offer affordable homes to lower-income families. Thank you for the
tremendous efforts of your staff and volunteers in bringing this project to
life.”
Selection
criteria include the need for affordable housing, the ability to make
affordable monthly payments, and the ability and willingness to partner with
Habitat for Humanity, including completing 500 volunteer hours. Those who meet
the initial requirements will be contacted and asked to complete a full
application which includes a credit and criminal background check.
The
first step for individuals and families interested in applying for
consideration as a Partner Family for the Gravenhurst project is completing the
eligibility questionnaire at https://www.habitatgatewaynorth.com/accessible/eligibility-questionnaire.
About Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North
Amalgamated
in 2014, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is a not-for-profit
organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe, suitable, and
affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together
to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable
housing. With the help of government organizations, charitable foundations,
local businesses, individual community members, volunteers, and other Habitat
partners, we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in our
service area, Canada, and around the world. Our region serves central and
northern Ontario communities, including North Simcoe County, Muskoka, Parry
Sound, Nipissing, Greater Sudbury, and Cochrane. Habitat for Humanity Ontario
Gateway North is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, established in
1985. To date, across Canada, Habitat for Humanity has helped thousands of
families in need of a hand up. Across the globe, Habitat for Humanity has grown
to become a leading global not-for-profit working in more than 70 countries.
For more information, visit www.habitatgatewaynorth.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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For more information:
Jane Clark
Director, Communications and Culture
Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North
(705) 646-0106 x 205
jclark@habitatgatewaynorth.com