Habitat for Humanity celebrates the beginning of their largest build to date – 47 families will become homeowners

Edmonton, AB—Habitat for Humanity Edmonton (HFHE) celebrated the beginning of their largest build to date (47 homes) with a multi-shovel sod-turning. Dignitaries, business leaders, volunteers, families, and neighbours met at the build site location on 123 Avenue and 41 Street to celebrate the occasion. The Honourable Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, and His Worship, Mayor Stephen Mandel, congratulated HFHE on behalf of the Government of Alberta and City of Edmonton, respectively.

“The Alberta government is proud to be one of the largest contributors to Habitat for Humanity in Canada. This year’s contribution of $6 million in capital grants will help families in Edmonton and eight other communities realize their dream of homeownership”, said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. “These types of partnerships help us leverage taxpayer dollars and bring us another step closer to our goal of supporting the development of 11,000 affordable housing units by 2012.”

"Habitat for Humanity is about building futures and building community and it is remarkable to see what they are accomplishing," said Mayor Stephen Mandel. "Making more affordable housing available is a priority for the City of Edmonton, and the Anderson Gardens project is one that reflects Edmonton's commitment to being a city of opportunity, caring spirit, and environmental stewardship. Thank you to Habitat for Humanity, their many partners, and all the volunteers whose hard work helps to bring projects like this to life."

HFHE has provided home ownership to over 130 families in the capital region and beyond since 1991. The Anderson Gardens build will help them reach their goal of building 100 homes each and every year by 2012. Not only will Anderson Gardens be HFHE’s biggest build to date, but it will also be their first official Built Green project. Anderson Gardens will be completed in three phases over three years.

“When our Anderson Gardens build is completed, there will be 47 families who will discover the security and stability of home ownership and the sense of belonging to a community,” said Susan Green, HFHE Board Chair. “This neighbourhood will be teeming with children playing in their yards and attending local schools, and families are able to contribute positively to community life.”

Major donors for the build include All Weather Windows, Ken and Margaret Anderson, Anonymous Foundation, CGC Inc., CIL, Enbridge, Home Depot Canada Foundation, Lafarge, Leviton, MCAP, Owens Corning, Province of Alberta, REALTORS® Community Foundation, R.E.I.N., Safety West Inc., Schneider Electric, St. Francis Xavier High School, Standard General, Stantec Inc., Sureway Construction, The Law Build in Memory of the Honourable Justice Mac Smith, TSAG (First Nations (AB) Technical Services Advisory Group, TELUS – Womens Connection, and Whirlpool. Habitat breaks ground for largest build to date!

STONY PLAIN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Habitat for Humanity has a great need for volunteers at our Stony Plain build. If you are a skilled volunteer, please contact us for more information. We really need your skill and labour so that we can complete two sixplexes for 12 deserving families in time for Christmas. Details for our Framing Event are outlined below:

Habitat breaks ground in HINTON

Hinton,AB--Friends of Habitat Edmonton - Hinton (FOHE-H) committee members and Town of Hinton representatives and citizens gathered around 360 Boutin Avenue in Hinton to celebrate the official kick off of the duplex build in Hinton by turning sod. His Worship, Mayor Glenn Taylor, brought greetings on behalf of the Town of Hinton

"Hinton is a diverse community that works and builds together," said Mayor Glenn Taylor. "The Town's partnership with Habitat is one of the several commitments we have made to ensure we provide safe, affordable living options for citizens of Hinton. I applaud the incredible efforts of the Habitat organization and look forward to helping with the build."

"With projects like this, our government continues to make progress on increasing access to safe and affordable housing in Alberta," said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. "Our partners like Habitat for Humanity allow us to stretch taxpayers' dollars further while at the same time tailor projects to meet the unique needs of the community."

FOHE-H has been diligently preparing to bring affordable home ownership opportunities to Hinton. The ground breaking denotes the beginning of what will be an exciting opportunity for two local families and for volunteers to get involved. Volunteers range from beginners to professional trades people.

Habitat for Humanity homes are affordable because families pay an interest-free mortgage that is amortized to 25 per cent of their income. However, these home ownership opportunities are not possible without the support of dedicated volunteers and donors. HFH relies on partnerships to serve families in need of adequate housing and is thrilled that the Province of Alberta and Town of Hinton have stepped up to the plate.

We're exicted that the Province, the Town of Hinton and the citizens have welcomed Habitat with open arms," said Alfred Nikolai, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. "The committee here is doing an excellent job of preparing for this build and we look forward to coming back to see two deserving families receive the keys to their new homes.

Both the Town of Hinton and the Province of Alberta have financially supported the build in Hinton. The Alberta government is on track to achieve its goal to support the creation of 11,000 affordable housing units by 2012.