Habitat for Humanity affiliate uses World Habitat Day as a platform to amplify their search
for working, low-income families in need of decent, affordable homes
TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2017 /CNW/ - October 2nd marks the United Nations' World Habitat Day, and the Greater Toronto area Habitat for Humanity affiliate is encouraging working, low-income families to apply to become Habitat homeowners. The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. Habitat for Humanity GTA believes everyone should have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing, especially families. The charity currently has 20 of the 50 townhomes at their Pinery Trail build project in Scarborough available for family occupancy, as well as 10 homes in Brampton, and 6 on its way in Georgina.
Michelle Mouldey is a single mother with three children that will be moving into a Habitat home on Pinery Trail in Scarborough later this month. "Over the years, I have dealt with numerous problems related to our housing, from break-ins to heating that does not work," explains Michelle, when speaking about her previous living situation. "Half of the floorboard heaters didn't work, which means the apartment was often freezing in the winter. All I ever wanted was a home for my children that we are proud to call our own, and being able to have a Habitat home means the world to us as a family."
"Every day, we see how hard families work to provide a better life for themselves and their children and yet the idea of having a safe, decent and affordable place to live in the GTA seems out of reach," says Ene Underwood, CEO at Habitat for Humanity GTA. "We find many families assume they would not qualify for our program or that it's 'too good to be true'. However, Habitat GTA's unique homeownership model provides a way for many families to make this dream a reality and change the trajectory of their futures."
Habitat for Humanity GTA provides a hand-up, not a handout, to working, low-income families to get a permanent foothold into homeownership. Families with a reliable source of income, and demonstrate the ability to pay an interest-free mortgage back to the organization over a 20-year period are encouraged to apply. Instead of a cash down payment, families provide "sweat equity" of 500 volunteer hours helping build their home and the homes of others. Mortgage payments are capped at 30% of a family's household income.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity GTA's Homeownership program, visit www.habitatgta.ca/homeownership
About Habitat for Humanity GTA
Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area is a non-profit housing organization that brings communities together to help working, low-income families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. With the support of donors and volunteers, we build homes alongside partner families in Toronto, Brampton, Caledon, and York Region. Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity GTA has built more than homes for more than 330 families, including over 1,000 children.
SOURCE Habitat for Humanity GTA
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