Habitat for Humanity in the Battlefords got a chance to introduce itself to local residents Tuesday.
They held a community meeting at McKitrick School in North Battleford. The meeting provided the local organization an opportunity to provide more information to residents about plans in the Battlefords in the coming year.
Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing and provides a path to home ownership for those with low incomes, as a way to break the cycle of poverty. Recipients of Habitat homes provide 500 hours of "sweat equity," in return receiving an affordable and sustainable no-interest mortgage held by Habitat Saskatoon.
The major priority of organizers at the meeting was attracting volunteers who could help on a build, help with fundraising, serve on committees or provide other assistance.
Those in attendance heard from Barb Cox-Lloyd, CEO of Habitat Saskatoon, who provided information on what Habitat for Humanity is all about and what sorts of volunteers are needed.
The meeting is another step forward for Habitat Battlefords, formed last fall after an agreement was signed between My First Home Inc. and Habitat Saskatoon. While Saskatoon provides the administrative support and offers guidance, the local chapter is tasked with organizing committees and finding a site for the build.
Habitat Saskatoon had previously set up a chapter in Humboldt that organized a successful build of a duplex in that community.
"They were our guinea pigs," said Cox-Lloyd. "They were the first chapter that we had assisted with and it was just wonderful. We had great community support and they finished the house in eight months."
The organization is in the Battlefords, said Cox-Lloyd, because "there's an interested group here. We go wherever there's an interested group in our area."
Though nothing is finalized, the local organization continues to look at building a duplex in the Battlefords in 2013. Cox-Lloyd said there are many advantages to doing a build this way.
"A duplex is much more efficient. It's extra work but it's not double the work for two families, so you end up with homes for two families. Because land is usually at a premium, it's much easier to do a duplex on one piece of land rather than try to find two pieces of land for families."
Volunteers will be needed for the build when it takes place. It could also be an opportunity for young people seeking a career. Cox-Lloyd says it offers an opportunity for those enrolled in school to take part. High school students can get experience on the builds and use that as apprenticeship hours to get into the trades after high school.
Also needed for that effort is money.
"We need to raise money. We need $100,000," said Ed Truelove, chair of My First Home Inc.- Habitat Battlefords. The organization is seeking not only funds, but volunteers to help raise those funds in the community.
They also need to find land, but Truelove sees that as less of an obstacle. "Once we get $100,000, then we're in a position to purchase land and get on with the build," he said.
The organization has written letters to the City of North Battleford and the Town of Battleford about site possibilities. Truelove says one location they are looking at is the North Battleford east side because the schools are located there.
"It's all about the kids, and the stability of kids' lives," said Truelove.
Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact one of the committee members for further information: Ed Truelove 306-441-0525, Lynn Balicki 306-446-9278, Nadine Parohl 306-481-6923, Morley Dickson 306-481-6766, Cathy Richardson 306-481-6583.
