The local committee members who have been steering a Habitat for Humanity project forward, over the past few months, have now reached the stage where prospective families need to be identified and the general public needs to be even better informed about the program.
Doug Barnstable, who has been a key member of the steering committee, along with Calven Johnson and Dan Jenish, said it’s time to start identifying potential applicants for the unique housing program. It is also time to begin formally collecting the names of potential volunteers while satisfying the curiosity factor in a lot of potential volunteers.
“We are looking for a candidate family. This is the right time because we need to know what type of home to build based on the selected family’s needs,” said Barnstable.
So, anyone interested in being Estevan’s first Habitat for Humanity homeowners, are asked to attend a public meeting in the Taylorton Room at Days Inn on Thursday, June 23 between 7 and 9 p.m.
A family that could qualify needs to have shown they have lived in Canada and Estevan for at least three years, have not been declared bankrupt, or have had it discharged within the past two years and have a permanent source of income. Does the yearly household income range between $32,000 and $52,000 before taxes?
If the answer is yes, the family may qualify for home ownership under the Habitat plan, Estevan chapter.
“We’ll view the candidates and get a short list with the local committee and that short list then goes into the Regina office, since we are working under the auspices of the Regina chapter of HFH,” said Barnstable. “They have the experience with this and we want their input. They often see this process taking between four and six months. Potential applicants are given a month to fill out their application form and return it. That’s why we’d like to have a few families come forward at this meeting on June 23.”
The open session will include orientation for volunteers who are interested in building a safe, decent and affordable place to live for a family that can move forward with this small leg up on home ownership.
“We need to identify the family before we begin construction, not only to meet their needs, but also so they can become involved. The mandate is for the family members to provide 500 hours of sweat equity in the project, as well,” said Barnstable.
Volunteers and partners can take many forms, said the team leader. It may consist of skilled labour, work-in-kind, donated materials or equipment and even unskilled labourers who want to learn.
Journeypersons will be on site at all stages to ensure all construction jobs are completed according to codes and required standards.
“We have started a poster awareness campaign, we are spreading the word within the local Ministerial Association and other groups might want to forward potential candidates for this housing they have identified as a family that would appreciate a little help. We have talked with the local service clubs about this too,” said Barnstable.
Benjamin Sipple, manager of Family Services for Regina’s Habitat for Humanity will be on hand at the June 23 Estevan meeting to talk about their program and the potential for Estevan’s project.
“Weyburn has also completed one successful project and we’re trying to get one of their team members to visit. They also did their project under Regina’s wing,” Barnstable added. “It would be great if we could even get someone from their first Habitat family to come and talk about what impact it had on them.
“We started the local fundraising, and we still have a few committee leadership roles to fill yet. We have a construction manager. Calven and Dan will serve as site supervisors once construction begins. We have to find a family first and we need to find a suitable property. I know the City of Estevan (council) is interested and they might have something for us by early 2017. Of course, we are looking for a best-cost lot, but we’re willing to look at all options,” Barnstable added.
Barnstable said volunteers Roberta DeRosier and Jody Copeland have agreed to work in tandem to head up one of the necessary committees.
The projects also generally receive a financial boost from the Government of Saskatchewan which has invested just under $8 million in Habitat programs in 13 communities since 2009, which has resulted in 134 Habitat homes being built and occupied.
Those interested in more information prior to the public meeting, are asked to contact Barnstable at 306-421-2023.
