Our Story
Who are we?
Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Project is a community based not for profit organization working a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Our mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide network which spans 100 countries, built 1800 homes in Canada alone, in 200 communities. Habitat for Humanity dedicates a new home every 10 minutes! Currently, there are 350,000 homes build by Habitat for Humanity in the world!
Since the establishment of the Habitat for Humanity HRM affiliate in 1992 over 28 Habitat homes have been built in the Halifax Regional Municipality. These homes provide housing for over 130 men, women and children. There have also been 2 Habitat homes built on the South Shore. In 2009, Habitat for Humanity established a project in the Annapolis Valley. This project is currently building two homes for local Valley families, thanks to the generous donation of land by the Town of Wolfville—but we need your help to complete it.
Family Selection
Families submit applications to Habitat, which are reviewed a volunteer family Selection Committee. Their recommendations go to our volunteer Board of Directors for approval. Families are selected based on three criteria:
1. Need for the home- Homeowners must be in an inadequate housing situation. Home visits are conducted to establish current living conditions.
2. Ability to pay a non-interest, no profit mortgage-Family income must fall beneath the poverty (LICO) line, yet income must be sufficient to repay a long term, interest free mortgage.
3. Willingness to partner-Families must be willing to contribute 500 volunteer hours, known as sweat equity, to Habitat prior to moving into their home. These volunteer hours build pride of ownership and show a commitment to receiving a hand up, not a hand out.
How Homes are Built and Funded
Habitat builds homes with volunteer labour and as much donated or cost reduced material as possible. Corporate sponsors provide the majority of the funding required to build the home. Local fundraising efforts take place to offset expenses of materials, services and land when they are not available through donations. Financial support is received from individuals, corporations, service groups and the faith community.
Habitat houses follow standardized design criteria which maintain the "simple and decent" archetype.
The Fund for Humanity
The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments go into a fund which is used to build more homes. The more homes that exist, the more cash flow there is available for further housing. This revolving "Fund for Humanity" fuels exponential growth in the number of houses that are built over time.
How Can I Get Involved?
Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Project already has a database of volunteers which is growing every week. We would love to be able to add your name to this list. There are a wide variety of ways which you can contribute and put your individual talents to this very worthwhile work. Maybe you are interested in marketing, fundraising, graphic design, organizing groups to make lunches for our build volunteers, joining our committees or coming out to help with the actual construction of the current project. If you can help we would love to hear from you.
The Community
Habitat for Humanity is always interested in spreading the word and making presentations to any religious, service or community group or organization, who would like to know more about our work. If you know of any group, please let us know.
Please consider getting involved with Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Project and help build a home for local families who just need a Hand Up! |
