May 7, 2018 – Hamilton, ON – Today, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton kicked off construction of a prefabricated steel home in the heart of downtown Hamilton, on Wilson Street. Utilizing land owned by the Hamilton Community Land Trust, and originally donated by the City of Hamilton, the Habitat Hamilton home is a pilot project featuring the effectiveness of using steel and prefabrication for fast and affordable home construction.
“This is a very unique and innovative build for us. It’s the first time we’ve ever partnered with the Hamilton Community Land Trust and it’s also the first time we’ve undertaken a prefabricated steel-intensive home. We’re always interested in exploring new ways to build effectively and efficiently and we’re looking forward to the benefits prefabricated steel home construction will provide, especially with made-in-Hamilton steel. It’s such an organic progression for us, particularly with such strong support from our home title supporter, ArcelorMittal Dofasco,” says Sean Ferris, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton.
The Amnual family was selected by Habitat Hamilton as the future homeowners of this new home. Comprised of two parents and two children, this family of four has already completed their mandatory 500 hours of volunteer time, supporting the Hamilton ReStore, in lieu of a traditional down payment. Upon completion of the home, the Amnual family will receive a geared-to-income and interest free mortgage.
“We are very excited to see the Amnual family realize their dream. They’ve overcome tremendous obstacles and we’re very excited for them to become homeowners of a wonderful home that will provide them with stability and self-reliance, for years to come. Their home is an example of the benefits of building with steel,” says Tom Vert, Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton and Vice President, Manufacturing, ArcelorMittal Dofasco.
Coinciding with Habitat Canada’s National Conference and Annual General Meeting in Hamilton from May 9 to 12, the installation of the house frame will be live streamed from Monday, May 7th until Friday, May 11th. Made possible by Cogeco Connexion, the live stream will be accessible from Habitat Hamilton’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/HabitatHamilton.
“We’re so humbled and appreciative of the overwhelming support we’ve received from local businesses, organizations and community members. Spearheaded by Habitat Hamilton partner ArcelorMittal Dofasco which provided the steel, the project has had monumental support from several partners, including but not limited to: donated prefabrication from Inter-Build, light steel framing from Bailey Metal Products, steel roof and siding from Agway Metals, HVAC, electrical and plumbing from E.S. Fox, sewer and water line installation from Marini and Sons Construction and foundations from The JNE Group of Companies. This build would not have been possible without them.” says Ferris.
Habitat for Humanity Hamilton continues to seek skilled-trades pro-bono volunteer support as well as donated materials and monetary contributions from local businesses and community members. To learn more about how you can support the Steel City Home Build, please contact Habitat for Humanity Hamilton for more information.
About Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
Founded in 1991, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is an independent, not-for-profit housing program that works to break the cycle of poverty by building affordable housing and promoting homeownership. Habitat Hamilton has accommodated 25 partner families locally since its incorporation and is one of Habitat Canada’s fastest growing affiliates, with several builds and developments currently underway. Habitat Hamilton’s mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in order to break the cycle of poverty throughout Hamilton and the surrounding region. For more information, please visit www.ebmediatestsite.ca/test8.
For more information, please contact:
Sean Ferris, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
Phone: 905-560-6707 ext. 108
Email: sean@ebapi.ca
or
Amy Gringhuis, Senior Specialist, Digital Communications, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
Phone: 905-979-0568