Affordable housing

Community getting behind Habitat for Humanity project

By Reg Clayton

Posted 16 hours ago

In Kenora, community and social service groups working to provide affordable housing for low income families and people living on fixed incomes represents the front line in the ongoing battle against poverty.

While organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Aamikkowiish Non-Profit Housing Inc. proceed with construction on new residential homes, local demand for clean, affordable housing continues to exceed availability.

Speaking at Kenora Rotary Monday, Habitat for Humanity Kenora chapter spokesman Andrea Lundy informed club members that $22,000 has been raised so far towards the group’s first build; an 860 sq. foot two-bedroom bungalow on Main Street, Rideout. The first $15,000 raised for the $125,000 project covers the cost of the lot with fundraising ongoing to purchase materials and solicit gifts in-kind of labour and equipment. Construction is expected to get underway in May.

Kenora Habitat announced at Christmas single working mom Ashley Neniska as its successful candidate to partner with the group for the purchase of the new home provided at no down payment and a zero interest mortgage.

Neniska was one of several qualified candidates to complete the Habitat for Humanity selection process.

“Numerous families were engaged in the interview process and it’s very difficult to tell them they will have to wait,” Lundy said. The group’s second build is planned for 2014.

Kenora Habitat has received substantial support from corporate and community sponsors including $5,000 donations each from Weyerhaeuser iLevel and the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation as well as $1,000 donations from several corporate and individual donors.

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, Kenora Habitat was presented with another $3,000 donation made by Keric Funk Salon. The salon and spa staff donated their time and proceeds from the New Year’s Eve day’s business to the Habitat build.

The total received included individual customer donations of $500 and $200.

Proprietor Keric Funk noted the selection of Kenora Habitat as recipient of the funds was a popular choice among customers and staff.

“We all recognize housing is an issue in our community. This was something everybody could get behind,” he said. “We had a significant number of people come in during the day. It was steady and busy and there was a lot of talk about Habitat for Humanity and who the recipient was.”

rclayton@bowes.com

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