The sod was turned on the first Habitat for Humanity building project in the Battlefords in July 2015.
Ron Braun was hired as construction site co-ordinator later the same year. Two families were chosen to be partners, each building a duplex unit with Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon-Battlefords Chapter.
How does Habitat for Humanity work?
Through volunteer labor, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates safe, decent and affordable houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and are financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund, which is used to build more homes.
Habitat for Humanity is a hand up, not a hand out. In addition to mortgage payments, each homeowner invests hundreds of hours of their own labour, called "sweat equity,” into the building of their home and the homes of others.”
Kristen and Nicole and their families have been at work on the site of the duplex since early this year. So far they have been cleaning, mudding, sanding, putting up drywall and painting. Together with family, friends and volunteers, much has been accomplished. When it was not possible to work on their own duplex, Nicole and Kristen worked on approved cleaning and repair work with My First Homes Inc. in order to work the 500 hours sweat equity required for them to purchase the home at an affordable price.
Kristen mentioned that it really takes extensive planning and that there are many other outside things that affect the building process. Many of the skills were new to her, but she found the construction site co-ordinator to be patient and helpful.
When asked what work was the hardest so far, she mentioned sanding. For Kristen, the best part of the work has been the finishing, such as mudding and painting, because this work has allowed her to start to see the final look of the build.
Nicole said she enjoyed seeing each step of the project. She agreed with Kristen that sanding walls and ceilings were the hardest jobs so far. Nicole, in her duplex, is currently working on priming a bedroom and hallway.
She has done everything from putting up drywall, mudding, sanding and now priming. They both have great things to say for the volunteers. They mentioned that they do not get to meet many of them, as the volunteers sometimes come during the day, or times when they are at work.
Kristen said she appreciated the fact volunteers were taking time out of their lives and were helping to make this dream come true. Nicole appreciated the help Habitat and volunteers provided, and how she saw the work progress from the ground up.
Volunteers who come and help are exactly what are needed to get to the finish line and all those who have helped were greatly appreciated for the time and effort they have given. Kristen and Nicole are working hard and each family is hoping to get into their duplex early in 2017.
Wouldn't it be great if a large number of volunteers came to help them in the next few months, so that Kristen and Nicole and their families were able to get into their duplex units by Christmas? Both families look forward to a home where they can contribute to their community and build a better life for themselves. Perhaps you have, or would like to, come and work on the site. The construction co-ordinator will make sure you know what to do and have a safe work environment.
To volunteer please contact Cathy at 306-481-6583 or Morley at 306-481-6766. To donate or volunteer please check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HabitatBattlefords/ or go to http://habitatsaskatoon.ca/ to donate to the Battlefords Chapter.
