NEWS RELEASE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ONTARIO GATEWAY NORTH
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Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North (OGN) is tackling the affordable housing crisis in Gravenhurst. Groundbreaking for the two semidetached houses at 369 Muskoka Beach Road is scheduled to begin in June. When complete, this project will become home to two area families in the Spring of 2024.
Speaking at last Thursday’s Ignite Gravenhurst event, Wendy Carrothers, OGN’s Program Manager, Family Partnerships, announced, “We have some great news for this community. Applications are now open for individuals and families for two energy-efficient, affordable homes right here in Gravenhurst.”
Carrothers added, “These families will join the 75 families, including 122 children across our Ontario Gateway North territory, who have built strength, stability, and self-reliance through the Habitat Affordable Housing program.”
At just over 900 square feet, the two-bedroom homes will be energy efficient, suitable for individuals or small families, and with universal accessibility, will be built for equity and inclusivity.
“We’re building at a time when the need for affordable housing has never been greater,” says Kimberley Woodcock, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North.
“The Canadian Rental Housing Index tells us that the proportion of renter household income spent on rent and utilities in Gravenhurst is a shocking 57% - almost twice what the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) defines as affordable, so we’re anticipating overwhelming interest in this project from area families," Woodcock said.
Habitat has been partnering with community-based organizations such as Gravenhurst Against Poverty (G.A.P.) to highlight the fundamental needs of working families in the community. G.A.P. Chair, Bonnie Dart, offers her support.
“It’s no small achievement during this current housing crisis to offer affordable homes to lower-income families. Thank you for the tremendous efforts of your staff and volunteers in bringing this project to life," said Dart.
Selection criteria include the need for affordable housing, the ability to make affordable monthly payments, and the ability and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity, including completing 500 volunteer hours. Those who meet the initial requirements will be contacted and asked to complete a full application which includes a credit and criminal background check.
The first step for individuals and families interested in applying for consideration as a Partner Family for the Gravenhurst project is completing the eligibility questionnaire at https://www.habitatgatewaynorth.com/eligibility-questionnaire.
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