Two more affordable homes will be built in Wilson Creek by Habitat for Humanity Sunshine Coast (HFHSC), thanks to a $100,000 investment from the province.
The money will come from the provincial Housing Endowment Fund, which was established in 2007 to fund “innovative housing proposals that would not qualify under existing funding programs.”
“We will use every penny of the $100,000 to continue to build homes at the Sunshine Coast Village for our waiting families,” said Laurie Vance, chair of Habitat for Humanity Sunshine Coast.
To date HFHSC has completed six affordable homes in three duplexes in its Sunshine Coast Village in Wilson Creek, with another duplex currently being finished up for two more families to move in this summer.
The $100,000 provincial grant will help make another duplex a reality (two more homes), for a total of 10 homes in five duplexes.
HFHSC’s ultimate plan is to build 16 homes in eight duplexes at the Wilson Creek site.
“Applications are coming in from more and more struggling families who could really use a hand up,” Vance said. “The affordable housing we provide is one of the best ways to support families and build strong, healthy communities.”
The province announced April 6 it would grant more than $1 million through the Housing Endowment Fund to six Habitat for Humanity organizations in Campbell River, Mission, Nanaimo, Richmond, Vernon and Sechelt.
“We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity’s goal of building safe, decent and affordable housing for families in need,” Housing Minister Rich Coleman said in a release.
HFHSC executive director Cori Lynn Germiquet said Habitat is thankful for the assistance from the province. “Today, more than ever, affordable housing is of vital importance, not only for the Sunshine Coast but throughout the province as the critical housing issue has no geographic boundary. We are grateful that our provincial leadership has decided to invest in affordable housing in our rural area, as it will enable us to continue to build ‘forever homes’ for young, working families on the Coast.”
Find out more at www.habitatsc.ca
