Habitat for Humanity to build homes for Veterans and their families

Unfortunately, there are some Veterans and their families who don’t qualify for affordable housing. There is another option, Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa (Habitat GO) have been accepting applications for a series of eight townhomes to be constructed in Orleans in 2019.

“Everyone deserves a safe, decent and affordable home. Habitat for Humanity’s unique homeownership model works because families always pay an affordable, zero-interest mortgage geared to 25 per cent of their income,” says Alexis Ashworth, Habitat GO CEO, in a press release issued July 16. “We know there is an existing need for affordable housing among veterans and their families and we would be honoured to welcome them to our new community in Orleans.”

When the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) survey in 2013, the results showed Habitat for Humanity families are happier, healthier, and more financially secure after moving into their Habitat Home.

Eighty-nine per cent say their family life has improved, 86% report being happier, 70% report improved health and stress, and 65% report an improvement in their children’s confidence.

Habitat GO partnered with organizations who support Ottawa-area veterans when it began its successful Military Build program two years ago. Sponsored by Lockheed Martin, Military Build encourages Canadian veterans, active duty military members, and reserve members to volunteer and share in a unique experience at Habitat GO’s build.

The first Veteran Build Day came to fruition in November 2017 and brought in more than 25 veterans and active-duty military to help build four homes. Habitat GO is also a proud partner of Wounded Warriors Canada, the national mental health charity whose mission is to honour and support our ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families.  

Applicants must have a steady gross family income between $46,933 and $69,542. They also must have dependent children, be living in a situation of housing need, and be willing to partner with Habitat GO by completing 500 volunteer hours in various capacities. Application information is available here.

Leacross Landing is Habitat GO’s most substantial development to date, to include 16 townhomes upon its completion in 2019. Four townhomes were completed in June 2018, with another four scheduled for completion in December 2018. The final phase will consist of eight units, to be completed in late 2019.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa (Habitat GO) has been building strength, stability, and self-reliance within the community since 1993. To date, they have served 76 families in the Greater Ottawa area. Habitat GO said their model is simple, “We work with community sponsors and volunteers to construct affordable, decent homes for families who otherwise could not obtain a conventional mortgage. 

Future homeowners partner with Habitat GO and commit to 500 volunteer hours constructing their home and assisting with Habitat GO initiatives. They then pay an affordable, geared-to-income mortgage. Habitat GO gives families the opportunity to achieve the dream of affordable homeownership and acts as a hand-up, not a hand-out.”