(Wednesday, August 26, 2020—HAMILTON, ON) Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is delighted to announce the completion of its Beach Community Build, located at 12 Wickham Avenue in the Hamilton Beach Community. On Friday, August 28th Habitat will hand over the keys—as well as the geared-to-income and interest-free mortgage—to Agartha Manu and her family.
Habitat Hamilton has a long history of building homes in the Hamilton Beach Community, marking this build as its last from a group of lots purchased from the City of Hamilton. Since 2002 Habitat Hamilton has built 7 homes in this community.
With the plot of land sold to Habitat Hamilton for a mere $2.00 by the City of Hamilton back in 2018, the organization broke ground on this build in autumn of 2019. Though this build was met with challenges relating to weather conditions which delayed foundation work, Habitat Hamilton has since been able to increase the speed of construction, working tirelessly to ensure its future homeowners move into their new home before the beginning of the school year.
Though Habitat was concerned build progress would slow down in the wake of COVID-19, the organization has been able to continue without pause thanks to generous donors, committed volunteers and staff who worked hard to ensure the build site was as safe as possible.
“This build has certainly brought its fair share of challenges. From climate-related build obstacles to difficulties relating to the global pandemic, our organization has overcome a lot to make this home a reality,” says Sean Ferris, Executive Director of Habitat Hamilton. “Thanks to all of our tremendous supporters, we’ll be welcoming the Manu family home this week—during a time when safe and decent housing means more than it ever has before.”
Agartha Manu and her two children are thrilled to be moving into their new home and moving out of their rented house, which is in disrepair and crowded for their family. Agartha and her kids will soon be able to move into their new home, which features separate rooms for each child and a backyard for space to play outdoors.
“We’re overjoyed for the Manu family and so happy for this huge milestone in their lives. The completion of this home would not have been possible without the incredible support of the teachers and students from our partnered OYAP program, our crew leaders and volunteers as well as the countless donors who have stepped up to help us fund this home,” expressed Board Chair of Habitat Hamilton, Cherie Somerville.
Major donors ($10,000+) for the Beach Community Build include the City of Hamilton (based on the estimated value on the discounted land purchase), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Canada, Genworth Canada and Alectra Utilities.
This week’s Home Sale Celebration will take place on Friday, August 28th, at 10:00am, at 12 Wickham Avenue, Hamilton. This event is by invitation only, though media are welcome to attend for photo and interview opportunities. To ensure the safety of all individuals present, invited guests and media will be required to wear a mask, physically distance from one another and will not be permitted access to tour the inside of the home.
For those who cannot attend the Home Sale Celebration in person, we will also host the event proceedings virtually on Facebook and Instagram, @habitathamilton.
About Habitat for Humanity Hamilton:
Founded in 1991, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is an independent, not-for-profit housing program that builds strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Habitat Hamilton has accommodated 31 Habitat homeowner families (including our newest Beach Community homeowners) locally since its incorporation, and is one of Habitat Canada’s fastest growing affiliates, with several builds and developments forthcoming. 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