Habitat for Humanity announces project in Spruce Grove
Mayor Stuart Houston
Families, neighbours, Habitat for Humanity (HFH) volunteers and staff gathered to witness the kick-off celebration of HFH’s upcoming work in Spruce Grove. HFH has entered a unique partnership with Second Wind Enterprises to bring six affordable homes to Spruce Grove. Local MLA, The Honourable Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, and his Worship, Mayor Stuart Houston, brought greetings on behalf of the Province of Alberta and the City of Spruce Grove respectively.
“Habitat for Humanity is doing tremendous work for our communities by the community,” said Deputy Premier and Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert MLA Doug Horner. “I applaud their many efforts across the Province and certainly here in Spruce Grove.”
“I am proud to represent Spruce Grove City Council on a day that will be a new beginning for six families in our community,” said Mayor Stuart Houston. “This project is also a beginning for us as we start implementing the recommendations of our affordable housing strategy.”
HFH partner families do not receive a hand out, but rather a hand-up into home ownership. Families demonstrate that they are in need, that they are able to pay an interest-free mortgage, and complete 500 hours of “sweat equity” – manual labour on the build sites – as their down payment.
HFH homes are affordable because families pay an interest-free mortgage that is amortized to 25 per cent of their income. However, these home ownership opportunities are not possible without the support of dedicated volunteers and donors. HFH relies on partnerships to serve families in need of adequate housing and is thrilled that the Province of Alberta and the City of Spruce Grove have supported the project in Spruce Grove.
“Spruce Grove is a wonderful community, and we’re really excited to give a hand up to deserving families,” said Alfred Nikolai, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. “Affordable housing is a major issue across Alberta, and we are glad that the Province of Alberta and City of Spruce Grove has taken the initiative to have Habitat for Humanity address the issue.”
About Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
Since 1991, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton has empowered low-income families to prepare for the future and pursue their dreams by providing them a hand up into home ownership. By mobilizing volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting home ownership, we break the cycle of poverty one door at a time.
Photos from the event
Deputy Premier of Alberta and Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert MLA Doug Horner
Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston
Mary Cameron, Habitat for Humanity Board Chair
Group photo in front of build – pictured left to right: Alfred Nikolai, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton; David Ives, Owner, Second Wind Enterprises; Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert MLA Doug Horner, Shari Ives, Owner, Second Wind Enterprises; Alderman Bill Steinburg, City of Spruce Grove Council; Mary Cameron, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton Board Chair; City of Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston; Alderman Wayne Rothe, City of Spruce Grove Council; Alderman Randy Palivoda, City of Spruce Grove Council.
