The ribbons were cut on April 25 on the first semi-detached homes constructed by Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties. Two local families have purchased these new, affordable homes in Maxville with an interest-free, geared to income mortgage held by Habitat Cornwall.
As rental and housing prices continue to rise across the country, working with key community stakeholders to offer the opportunity for affordable home ownership is more important than ever.
In the five years prior to COVID-19, Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties built 3 affordable homes. Since 2020, they have built 5 homes with 2 more planned for 2024. As a direct response to the growing affordable housing crisis, the organization has begun building semi-detached homes to increase the number of families served. This is dependent on fundraising, local support, donations, zoning, and more. With a total of 7 projected homes in a 4-year span, Habitat Cornwall is effectively doubling its local impact. This is at a time when build related costs are still very high.
The building lot for Habitat Cornwall’s first semi-detached project was generously contributed by the Township of North Glengarry. A wide variety of local businesses made financial and in-kind contributions to assist with the completion of the homes. These donors all recognized the importance of stable, affordable housing for local families. The fact that funds raised locally, stay locally within this program, makes an even greater impact.
Well wishes and congratulations were shared with the families from a variety of attendees including donors and supporters.
The Partner Families are purchasing these homes at fair market value and Habitat for Humanity offers them an interest-free, geared to income mortgage that will never exceed 30% of their income. The newest members of the Habitat family completed 500 hours of volunteer service with the organization which included a homeowners education module, to get things off on the right foot. Habitat for Humanity homes aren’t a hand out, they’re a hand up.
As housing prices continue to rise across the country, working within the community to offer affordable home ownerships is more important than ever.
Habitat Cornwall Board Chair, Hank Blasiak shared, “I am proud to say these two families have met the requirements of Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties and have the opportunity to purchase these new affordable homes. Their dedication shows they are committed to their families and they have invested in homeownership. We wish them stability, strength, growth and years of cherished memories built on their dreams, their determination and their hard work.”
As this project wraps, a ground breaking event is already in the works. Habitat Cornwall will break ground May 2nd on their next semi-detached project, this time in Ingleside. The Ingleside project will mark the third and fourth homes under construction in 2024.
For any businesses, community groups or individuals wanting to learn more about affordable housing opportunities with Habitat for Humanity and how they can help, they are encouraged to reach out to Leigh Taggart at 613-938-0413 ext.2002, by email at leigh@habitatcornwall.org., visit the ReStore at 1400 Vincent Massey Drive, Cornwall or Habitat Cornwall’s website at www.habitatcornwall.org .
