To the Editor:
To date Habitat Yorkton has constructed three homes for families to purchase that have impacted 11 children's lives, children who otherwise would have lived in substandard housing. Habitat for Humanity Yorkton's mission is to break the cycle of poverty and build strong communities by helping people gain access to affordable and sustainable housing. Our vision is simple - a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.
Over the past number of years Habitat Yorkton has partnered with a number of organizations, businesses, the City of Yorkton, schools and community groups to build these homes and make home ownership a dream come true for three families.
We are now asking for your help. Habitat Yorkton has new three families waiting for their homes to be built, and we have run into the issue of not having enough lots to build more homes. A property just came on the market that would secure three house lots to build on. Due to the strong housing market, property likes this goes quickly. We are asking for help to raise $120,000.00 to acquire this much needed resource, without lots to build on we cannot build homes.
Our first Habitat family - Corey and her children. Our next family is Shannon, a mother of three young children, one with a rare bone disorder. The last health issue came when she was playing and fell; she ended up with 23 small fractures to her arm. Shannon, who works two jobs to support her family, will require a special home to accommodate this child.
An organization or individual funding one ($40,000 per home) or more of the homes ($120,000 for the three) will of course mean naming rights on the builds but it will also mean families and children who live in substandard rental properties will have a decent place to live.
Habitat Yorkton embraces youth involvement no matter at what age. Many of our youth have united around our region to support this cause. Young people ages five to 25, have participated in raising money, house building to learn skills, and have learned the meaning of giving.
For example, there are kids five to eight years of age, who, instead of having a birthday party, collect the money usually spent on a gift and cake, and donate it to Habitat.
"All people deserve a home and should have a good life. Even kids can make a difference." - 2nd grader McKnoll School
Schools from Esterhazy, Melville and other areas of the Region took the opportunity to enhance skill development by supporting the last house build. Skills like dry walling and carpentry were all tasks the students learned.
This is part of our Learn and Build Experience. It provides a hands-on opportunity for high school students ages 16 to 18, to develop practical skills and learn about the issue of poverty and community action.
Visit: www.habitatyorkton.ca to learn more or to get involved.
Yorkton's Habitat for Humanity Commitee.
