BY KALISHA MENDONSA
Lacombe Express
Habitat for Humanity is seeking families to apply for the second project in Lacombe, a set of duplexes that are currently being built in Shepherd Heights.
So far, officials with the group say there are only two families that have applied for the homes and they are hoping to pull in as many applicants as possible in order to fill the spaces.
The projects are carried out with primary funding being drawn from Habitat for Humanity and secondary funding from the City of Lacombe.
“The construction is coming along nicely, but we’re still seeking owners for the homes. We’re really encouraging people to contact us and apply,” said executive director for Habitat for Humanity, Red Deer region, Brian Brake.
“All the applicants need to do is contact our office at 403-309-6080 and ask for Janelle so they can begin that application process. If they meet our requirements - having a definite need, falling between our annual income guidelines and being willing to participate in volunteer hours for the homes - we would love to hear from them.”
For any Habitat for Humanity home, there are three major qualifications that applicants must adhere to.
The first is an annual earning income of $37,000 - $58,000. The second is a commitment of 500 volunteer hours in working to help build the home and the third is financial and social need.
“We had a public meeting back in early October, where we encouraged people to apply for one of the four homes. We had 14 families show up, but unfortunately they were mostly from Red Deer or elsewhere, and therefore not eligible to submit an application for these particular houses,” Brake said.
“As of this time, we are still seeking homeowners for all of these homes. We’ve got two applicants and are seeking as many others as we can get so we can review them and prepare for families to move into these homes.”
Volunteers are also needed on site to help with the completion of siding, electrical work, painting and interior finishes and more.
The volunteers do not need experience; they simply need a willingness to learn and a good work ethic.
“We’re now getting to the place where we will be at the point where we can use the most volunteers. The framing needs a certain amount of expertise, so we do hire out for that work. Once that is completed, many of the tasks that come after that can be done with the assistance of volunteers, guided by our construction manager,” Brake explained.
The City of Lacombe is proud to be a partner on the project and has committed to approximately 40% of the construction costs for the project.
Community Economic Development Manager Guy Lapointe said these projects are part of the City’s affordable housing initiatives that have arisen through extensive research in the community.
Lapointe said the project last year was a great success and that the City was happy to come on board in supporting the 2016 project.
More information, including applications, can be found online at the Habitat for Humanity web site or by calling Janelle at 403-309-6080.
kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com