Habitat homes available for working, low-income families in the GTA
October 2nd marks the United Nations’ World Habitat Day, and we’re encouraging working, low-income families to apply to become Habitat homeowners.
The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. We at Habitat for Humanity GTA believe everyone should have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing, especially families. There are currently 20 of the 50 townhomes at our Pinery Trail build project in Scarborough available for family occupancy, as well as 10 homes in Brampton, and 6 on its way in Georgina.
Michelle Mouldey is a single mother with three children that will be moving into a Habitat home on Pinery Trail in Scarborough later this month. “Over the years, I have dealt with numerous problems related to our housing, from break-ins to heating that does not work,” explains Michelle, when speaking about her previous living situation. “Half of the floorboard heaters didn’t work, which means the apartment was often freezing in the winter. All I ever wanted was a home for my children that we are proud to call our own, and being able to have a Habitat home means the world to us as a family.”
“Every day, we see how hard families work to provide a better life for themselves and their children and yet the idea of having a safe, decent and affordable place to live in the GTA seems out of reach,” says Ene Underwood, CEO at Habitat for Humanity GTA.
We find many families assume they would not qualify for our program or that it’s ‘too good to be true’. However, Habitat for Humanity GTA’s unique homeownership model provides a way for many families to make this dream a reality and change the trajectory of their futures.
We work to provide a hand-up, not a handout, to working, low-income families to get a permanent foothold into homeownership. Families with a reliable source of income, and demonstrate the ability to pay an interest-free mortgage back to the organization over a 20-year period are encouraged to apply. Instead of a cash down payment, families provide “sweat equity” of 500 volunteer hours helping build their home and the homes of others. Mortgage payments are capped at 30% of a family’s household income.
Click here to learn more about Habitat for Humanity GTA’s Homeownership program, and please share with your networks.