Habitat for Humanity Changes Lives
MARATHON – Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is renovating two homes in Marathon, Ontario, and is desperately seeking families in need. For the very first time, the not-for-profit organization is looking to provide homes for families outside of Thunder Bay, but is having a difficult time findingthose who need assistance. Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay spokesperson, Sharon Garach stated, “We know there are families in Marathon living month to month, making it nearly impossible to get ahead and need our help. We want to be able to support them by providing a place that they can proudly call home, but they need to step forward and let us know. Every family deserves a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.”
Since 1994, Habitat for Humanity homes have transformed the lives of families in Thunder Bay. Families who have moved into a Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay home now have an interest free mortgage, are less reliant on social assistance, some have moved on to better jobs, and a large percentage notice improvements in their children’s grades and behaviour.
Habitat for Humanity will select families based on their level of need, their willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity and their ability to repay a mortgage. To be eligible to apply, families must be able to meet low-income guidelines including:
· A critical housing need
· A steady income and the ability to make regular monthly mortgage payments
· Willingness to participate in Habitat builds and events—500 hours of “Sweat Equity”
· Be willing to disclose income information
Applications are available at TD and Scotia Banks, Copperfin Credit Union, the Marathon Food Bank and from Sharron Gendron, the property manager for Marathon Municipal Non-Profit Housing.
Garach says, “When we say families, we are referring to a wide variety of family structures including single parents. We are looking for good neighbours. Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is not just building homes, we are building communities.”
Completed applications can be dropped off at TD and Scotia banks as well as Copperfin Credit Union. Applications will be accepted until August 30, 2013.
Those with questions are asked to contact Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay at (807) 345-5520 or visit www.habitattbay.com.
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