MARATHON – It is World Habitat Day. “Today is the 28th annual World Habitat Day. A day of grassroots action throughout the world, which starts right here in Marathon,” enthused Diane Mitchell from Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay.
“For me this morning could not be more special. This is Habitat’s first time building
in the district and the support from the community in Marathon has been overwhelming,” added Mitchell. “Today, we are blessed to be dedicating two homes to two families in Marathon”.
An enthusiastic crowd of about forty people, including the families who are now joining the racks of homeowners and taxpayers in Marathon braved the 5c weather for the warmth of the morning’s festivities.
“I would like to especially thank home sponsor Barrick Gold. Your support has been the backbone of these rebuilds,” commented Mitchell.
Patrick Calnan, Health and Safety Superintendent, Barrick Gold said, “I am so happy to be here today, on behalf on Barrick Gold, to welcome these two wonderful families to their new homes. These home builds have meant so much to all of us at Barrick Gold and to the community of Marathon”.
“I encourage everyone here today to inspire action in their community, get involved where they can, and address the need for safe and adequate shelter for all.”
Joining the festivities in Marathon, was Habitat for Humanity Canada COO Mark Rodgers.
“I am so pleased to be in Marathon, Ontario this morning to announce a very major milestone for Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay and that is moving into the Northwestern Ontario District,” stated Rodgers.
“Habitat for Humanity is here to assist all communities who hope to address the need for adequate shelter in a world where so many are lacking”.
The home builds come with the hard work and dedication of many volunteer hours.
“The families who are getting the homes via Habitat for Humanity do not, as many people think, get the homes for free,” shared Mitchell. “Habitat for Humanity holds the mortgage on the home and also holds first right of refusal on the sale of the home”.
The family pays the mortgage at a rate of thirty percent of their annual income. That includes municipal taxes.
As many of the supplies for the homes built in Marathon are being purchased in the community.
One of the other interesting pieces of information few seem to know is that the money donated to Habitat for Humanity goes directly to the home builds. Funds for the organizers all come from sales of materials at the ReStores that Habitat for Humanity runs.
