YORKTON - The Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, Yorkton Chapter made a presentation to Yorkton Council on its activities.
And, they also made a request the City look to directly donate toward future builds.
The support could include waving service hook-up fees for new builds, and of greater significance providing lots for future builds.
“We are aware of the municipality’s requirements in regard to properties acquired through tax enforcement. We would, however, appreciate it if the City of Yorkton could find a way to donate a suitable property or properties to our cause,” noted a letter circulated to Council at its regular meeting Monday.
The letter also noted, “over the past decade Habitat for Humanity, Yorkton Chapter, (the group began in 2010), has had a strong record of constructing infill homes, and on more than one occasion, demolishing uninhabitable structures.
“The net effect has been to improve these neighbourhoods with new homes and improving living conditions for working families paying taxes on these properties …
“By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Yorkton, it would be a win/win not just us as an organization, but would be assisting us in leading the way to provide affordable housing for residents.”
The group is on its ninth build, said spokesperson Tom Seeley.
Through Habitat for Humanity qualified homeowners are selected after an extensive application process.
Successful applicants are required to work 500 volunteer hours in the community and/or on the build, as part of their agreement to purchase a home appraised at fair market value by a third party appraisal company.
In a presentation it was noted that Habitat for Humanity Canada showed positive responses to the program including;
* 54.2 per cent noticed an improvement in children’s behaviour
* 22.9 per cent of the parents went back to school
* 34.1 per cent of the income earners moved on to better jobs
* 36.1 per cent were less reliant on social assistance and community services
The presentation was filed, and the requests sent to administration to work with the group on what the City might provide.
