OSHAWA — The next phase of Habitat for Humanity’s Centre Town project is underway and the organization is hoping to see lots of hands on deck for the newest phase.
A group of 911 responders recently spent a hot August day putting in the floor joists for four homes that represent phase 3A of Habitat for Humanity Durham’s Centre Town project.
Among them was 911 dispatcher Tracy Parker.
“I’ve actually looked into volunteering before at a Habitat build in South America and I thought it would be fun to do it here closer to home,” she said. She had company with fellow dispatcher Rebecca Astels and the two chatted while they worked.
Habitat for Humanity Durham manager of corporate operations Loreen Feddema explains the idea behind themed builds is to get like-minded people together. Other themes have included a women’s build and a Pride build.
“They fundraise to be here, so they’re giving back to the community with their volunteer work but they’re also fundraising,” she explains.
The latest phase of the Centre Town project on Centre Street South is expected to be completed sometime in 2017, and Ms. Feddema who explained that between now and then the organization was hoping for lots of volunteers whether it was for a themed build or just a regular day of volunteering.
Drew Groves, an acting detective with the DRPS forensics unit, was also on hand for the 911 build. Mr. Groves said he’s always wanted to volunteer with the organization and the scheduling finally worked.
“So far so good, not too many mistakes, anyway,” he said.
The volunteers were supported by Durham College carpentry students and site supervisor Keith Peak. With that kind of help, people new to construction can lend a hand.
The future residents of the homes also put in a great deal of work. The deal is they provide 500 hours of sweat equity in lieu of a down payment on the home.
“It’s community based, it’s engaging volunteers, it’s all of the community coming together to build a home for those who would not be able to qualify for a conventional mortgage,” explain Ms. Feddema.
Habitat is planning a project on what was once an Oshawa-owned social housing building on Normandy Street which will include 10 units and another potential 30 stacked town houses constructed with another non-profit builder. The organization is working on a site for Whitby, but the location has not yet been disclosed. As well, Habitat officials say they’re working on another project in south Durham that would involve multiple land donations from a developer and are hoping to strike up conversations in north Durham for potential land.
