Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island has opened its application process for new partner families for an upcoming duplex project in south Nanaimo on Extension Road.
“We are looking for two low-income, hard working families this year to partner with Habitat for our latest building project,” said Teresa Ludvigson, executive director. “Often families don’t realize they may qualify and we really encourage anyone meeting our criteria to apply. A Habitat home has helped many local families break the cycle of poverty and empower them with home ownership. Families do not need a down payment and they hold an interest-free mortgage.”
Habitat is seeking families who are struggling with their current living situation and otherwise unable to afford a down payment to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Partner families save more than $200,000 in interest payments over the course of the home ownership, a huge opportunity for working poor families.
“I truly feel my son and I thriving in our Habitat home, I am more confident in my daily life and I am enjoying the challenge of a new job,” said Jo-Anne Graham, Habitat homeowner. “I see my son just blossoming into a secure teenager, taking on projects and endeavours he would have shied away from before. I am grateful for this opportunity and the huge benefits it has had on my family and continues to have.”
Suitable applicant criteria for Habitat for Humanity partner families includes:
Earning between $25,000-$52,000 yearly (single or dual income family);
Living in substandard/poor living conditions or a high-cost rental relative to income;
Unable to secure a mortgage on their own;
Willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity and able to complete 500 hours of sweat equity (volunteer hours) during the process of their home being built.
Applications will be accepted till Aug. 1. The build project will begin in the late summer of 2014.
Apply online www.habitatmvi.org under “Family Selection” tab or call 250-758-8078 for an application.