The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Habitat 53 has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to build three new homes for low-income families over the next five years. The local branch of Habitat for Humanity is approaching businesses and organizations in an effort to generate $300,000 in donations by 2018. 'It does seem like a lot, but with the help from our communities this goal can be reached,' said Kathy McCormick, co-chair of Habitat 53. Habitat recently distributed letters asking for a single donation this year or a (hopefully) larger donation to be paid in annual increments over the next five years. The first $300,000 will be the hardest. Once Habitat's first three homes are built, mortgage payments from the owners will supply a steady stream of revenue that can be invested into future homes. Habitat still needs about $50,000 to cover its first house, which was going to be located at 63 Green Street but has been moved to 189 Steventon Boulevard. City council has donated the vacant Steventon Boulevard lot, with excavation of the basement set to begin this week. The hope is to have the shell of the home up before winter takes hold, allowing workers to complete the interior over the frigid season. Habitat still plans to build its second home at 63 Green Street, where a large underground rock and other obstacles wreaked havoc with construction plans. 'Everything seemed to fit so much better on Steventon than on Green Street,' McCormick said. Angela Bennett and her son Austin have already been selected as the first owners of home from Habitat. They will now have the option of moving into the Steventon Boulevard home or waiting until the Green Street home is complete. Habitat does not give away homes, instead selling them at fair market value to low-income working families. Mortgage payments are calculated to suit the limited budgets of owners. Homebuyers must also put significant volunteer hours into the community. If you're willing to help build a home, or for more information about supporting Habitat, call Kathy McCormick at 204-687-6582 or Ted Elliott at 306-688-0052.
