Residents of Barrhead should join in celebration of a very notable achievement.
This past weekend, two families were given the keys to their new homes thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton and the countless volunteers who helped the committee realize its dream – the construction of affordable housing for families who have faced some very tough times.
The dedication ceremony took place Saturday at the new homes. Some inclement weather that consisted of rain, hail and frigid temperatures couldn’t even begin to put a freeze on the warmth that exuded from everyone who gathered for the event. A lot of hard work and determination went into the construction of these homes, and there aren’t enough thanks in the world these two families can convey to the people, organizations and businesses that have helped to provide security in their lives.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. The mission of Habitat is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to break the cycle of poverty.
Barrhead readily accepted that mission in a big way. People from all walks of life took their turns to help build the homes. Jobs came in all shapes and sizes, but none of it was too big for this community to handle. It has been said time and again that Barrhead looks after its own, and the proof is in the pudding after the completion of this project.
Don’t think you’ve seen the last of Habitat for Humanity in Barrhead. Project leader Steve Lyster said there are definite plans for another build, although it may take several years for it to happen.
Habitat homes are affordable because families pay an interest-free mortgage that is amortized so that families pay no more than 25 per cent of their income. Furthermore, each family chosen for a home must put in hundreds of hours of volunteer work, called “sweat equity” in order to remain eligible for the home. That makes these project a hand-up, not a hand out, as Habitat is known for saying.
Both the Alexander and Lavigne families were awash with emotions as the Friends of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton committee handed over the keys. Both families can rest assured they will be able to live in the comfort afforded by the many volunteers who came together for one purpose.
