This coming Saturday, Habitat for Humanity Muskoka will show us what community spirit is all about. That’s when a gathering’s happening at an empty lot on Muskoka Beach Road, along with two new homeowner families, to officially kick off a two-home build that’s scheduled for 2014.
Habitat for Humanity Muskoka President Linda Acton-Riddle says affordable housing seems like an impossible dream for many low income families and that Habitat is positioned to make a difference in the lives of two families who will realize that very dream. Habitat for Humanity Muskoka currently holds land on which an estimated 10 more homes can be built. Since it’s incorporation, the organization has made homeownership a reality for 17 families in the Muskoka & Parry Sound areas.
Habitat for Humanity homes are affordable because families pay an interest-free mortgage that is geared to 25 percent of their income.
In order to qualify for a home, a family must meet three requirements:
~ They must meet the low income guidelines and demonstrate their ability to pay an interest-free mortgage once the house is completed
~ The family must show a willingness to partner… that means they contribute 500 sweat equity hours to the building of their home
~ The third requirement is an assessment of need, such as accessibility, health reasons, current housing is not healthy or two expensive