Lakefield Herald Special Report

Habitat for Humanity seeks family for Lakefield build

by Jamie Steel

It’s not about giving a house away, it’s about matching a low-income family with an affordable home.

Sarah Tate of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough says it’s crucial people understand exactly what the organization does.

“The homes are not given away,” she says, “they’re sold.”

After consulting with a third party, the home is given a fair market value. It’s that value that Habitat for Humanity uses when establishing the mortgage to be owed on the home, as well as monthly mortgage payments.

Those mortgage payments should equal 25 per cent of the family’s monthly gross income, a percentage significantly lower than what many area low income families are paying, even on rent.

The interest-free payments include property taxes and no down payment is required on the home, though the family moving in should demonstrate a willingness to partner in the project by committing to 500 “sweat equity” hours. Those hours, though mainly donated by parents and extended family members, include young children writing ‘Thank-you’ notes.

Along with the willingness to partner, before a family can be selected for the home there are criteria that need to be met.

Because the home is not given away and there is a mortgage (to Habitat for Humanity) to pay, the family must have a minimum income of $28,000 annually.

That being said, there are maximum incomes as well, based on the number of bedrooms required.

For a two-bedroom home the maximum income is $37,000. For a three-bedroom home it is $43,500 and for a four-bedroom home the highest gross income is $56,000 annually.

These are based on government guidelines as to who qualifies as a low-income family.

Finally the family must show need for adequate shelter.

“If all other factors are the same, it’s usually the family in the most need (that gets the home),” she says.

Before construction can begin, a family must be selected to own the home. Ideally, Tate says, the home would go to a family from Lakefield or the immediate surrounding area (Smith) but if need be, it could go to a Peterborough area family.

“The great big push right now is to find a family.”

If anyone is interested in purchasing the Habitat for Humanity home or has questions as to whether or not they qualify, they can call the office at 705-750-1456 or visit www.habitatpeterborough.ca. Applications are also available at the County of Peterborough office, the Lakefield Public Library and Lakefield United Church.

Those interested in volunteering with the project are encouraged to contact the Habitat for Humanity office and will put in contact with the appropriate committee.

It’s important to understand, Tate says, Habitat for Humanity is not about giving houses away.

“We call it a hand-up, not a hand-out.”

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