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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-01-14, Page 9Wednesday,January 14, 2004 Exeter Times—Advocate 9 Habitat for Humanity affiliate takes first step in Huron County By Mary Simmons TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF HENSALL — A group of citizens in Hensall has been taking the first steps towards creating a Habitat for Humanity affiliate program in Huron County. An information session and breakfast meeting was held at the Hensall United Church Jan. 10 for people interested in learning more about the organization and the steps which must be taken to become an affili- ate. Hensall United Church minister Fred Darke said he wouldn't be a minister if not for Habitat for Humanity International. He said his work with the organization led him to his calling as a minister. Habitat for Humanity's mission is "to provide affordable and adequate housing for God's people in need by mobilizing local communities, volun- teers and material and financial resources in wide-ranging, inclusive partnerships and to sup- port, encourage, facilitate and empower those affili- ates to build affordable houses in partnerships with needy families." Terry Petkau, vice pres- ident of Building and Housing for Habitat Canada, told the group the organization's aim is to give a hand up, not a handout with a long-term goal of eliminating sub- standard and poverty housing. Petkau said God pre- pared him for his work with Habitat for Humanity since he was a child and built his first tree fort with his cousin. Despite the fact he did- n't use the right size nails and the structure col- lapsed, leaving him a broken arm, he still went on to become a construc- tion worker in Winnipeg. He first became involved with Habitat in the mid-1990s when he was offered an early - departure package from his job. He, his wife and his two teenage sons made the decision to volun- teer with Habitat for a year in Charlotte, N.C. "It was the first experience in our life to understand what it's like to be in need," Petkau said, describing his family's reaction to the house that was provided for them to live in. "We took one look at that house and felt we had to tut around and head straight back home," he said, adding they stuck it out and made do with the two-bedroom house with furniture that looked as though it had been left on the curb for garbage pick up. He said they regular- ly heard gun shots, and the life -changing experi- ence made them realize how important a home can be. "It is all about providing hope," he said. "Many of you know what the need is in your jurisdiction." Petkau told the group the road to becoming an affiliate will not be a short one, saying the process for approval can take 18 months. The organization works through partnerships between volunteers, homeowners, churches, businesses and communi- ties. The non-profit, non- government organization is described as an Ecumenical Christian housing ministry with inclusive, non-discrimi- natory policies. Darke A8ITgT buil• t! than 150,000 house safe 0 PeoP/e Houses habitat live in With es are sold stat houses • an interest-free nterest-fat eno Profit build the h mO�gag • Homeowners and supervision t • houses under • Individuals, rider trained groups ua corporate �V financial support others provide corporations, YOUR NEEP • 10.9 million individuals n hou i g With severe live in hot vat cies such ase Physical nO° toilet °� n° electricity, n° n r shower either a bathtub said it is a misconcep- tion that the houses are free. Partner families in Canada are required to work at least 500 hours on the project, an aspect which is known as sweat equity. The families are also required to meet inter- est-free, long-term mort- gage payments which are put into a revolving fund and used to build more houses. Partner families are chosen on basis of need, ability to repay the mort- gage and a willingness to partner and provide sweat equity. Internationally, the organization was found- ed in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. There are active affiliates in 92 countries around the world and more than 160,000 homes have been built worldwide. The Canadian branch was founded in 1985 and Special Rate Offer! Non -redeemable Fixed Rate Term Deposits 3•55% 3 Year Term (RRSP Eligible) Call Us Today *Limited time offer, rates subject to change without prior notice IN EXETER (519) 235-0640 IN CLINTON (519) 482-3466 IN LISTOWEL (519) 291-6189 He art1'iiid Community Credit Union Limited Where membership makes the difference me, rim fff more than 700 homes have been built since then. There are 61 affili- ates with prospective affiliates and interest groups in many other communi- ties. There are also 11 Campus Chapters groups for youth who work with local and inter- national affiliates building homes, edu- cating their peers and fundraising. Petkau said children under 16 are not allowed to participate in the actu- al building of homes and those between the ages of 16 and 18 are required to have permission from a parent or guardian. He said youth can bring creativity to a project and it is important to educate tlf� ye students and ask them how they would like to be involved. Another way Habitat for Humanity raises funds is through the 29 ReStores located across Canada, one of which was started by the Stratford -Perth affiliate and is located in Wartburg. Builders, contractors and the general public can send the salvageable portion of their surplus and unused building materials to their nearest ReStore. The products are then available for the public to purchase. J.D. Kulpher, chairman of the Stratford -Perth affiliate, encouraged peo- ple thinking of becoming involved in a Huron County chapter to volun- teer various aspects of $ the nearby affiliate. "We are helping out people in our community who are in need of our help," he said. Since the Stratford - Perth affiliate began in 1993, six homes have been built and the ReStore was established. Kulpher said he antici- pates another build will take place in the sum- mer. "As you build, you're in a position to build more," he said, referring to the equity from the mortgage income. He encouraged the peo- ple in the room to spread the word and get the momentum going. "I found it so exciting and inspiring," he said of his first experience with Habitat in 1988 when he was involved in a build project through the University of Dayton, Ohio. Chuck Mallette said he wasn't sure what the community response would be when he became part of a commit- tee spearheading the project. He said the main rea- sons for the meeting were to gauge the degree of interest and learn more about the organiza- tion. "We need to get this organization rolling," he said, adding the applica- tion process for official affiliate status is already in motion. "What we need to make it happen is you." Darke said members of the group have been struggling with what to name the affiliate since they don't want to limit its boundaries to the southern area of the county. He said there has also been interst in start- ing an affiliate in Wingham and there is a possibility the groups could work together. "I don't care where homes get built," Darke said. "I just want families in affordable, decent housing." Road Watch Huron is a community initiative empowering people to save lives. If you observe an act of impaired or aggressive driving on the roads of Huron County please fill in a citizen report form. ROAD WATCH Forms are available at the following locations: Bayfield Bayfield Garage Exeter Hansen's Your Independent Grocer Becker's Milk Municipality of South Huron For more information call Huron County Health Unit 482-3416 or if long distance 1-877-837-6143 Hensall Bob Erb's Garage Seaforth Mac's Milk Seaforth Food Market Zurich Erb's Country Kitchen Avon DISTRICT Learning far a Lifetime Welcome to Kindergarten The Avon Maitland District School a`s Board and its community public elementary schools are proud to offer a quality leaming opportunity for our young citizens entering school for the first time. Junior and Senior Kindergarten offer a place where your child can grow and learn in a positive educational environment. Kindergarten Registration 2004 - 2005 Monday, January 26, 2004 - Friday, January 30, 2004 at public elementary schools throughout Huron and Perth Counties For Senior Kindergarten Students must be 5 years of age on or before December 31, 2004 For Junior Kindergarten Students must be 4 years of age on or before December 31, 2004 A complete registration and information package is available at your nearest public elementary school or contact Darlene Million at 1-800-592-5437 Ext 112 For further information visit our website at www.amdsb.ca. Geoff Williams Director of Education www.amdsb.ca Meg Westley Chair