by Robert Wright
There are many organizations that help the less fortunate in our community. Habitat for Humanity is one you can help when you renovate your home.
Give them a hand; I do.
Habitat for humanity builds new homes for many deserving families in our community. They have a selection process for the families and then the family is placed on a waiting list. Not only do these families help build their new home, they also usually help build other homes for other families.
The homes are modest, but the family is in a safe and comfortable home. The homes are paid for by the new home owners on mortgages held by Habitat. When the family wants to move, Habitat buys the home back, renovates it as required and then arranges for a new family to move in.
You may not realize it, but in the U.S. Habitat for Humanity is a top 10 builder in terms of the number of homes built each year. The homes are built by volunteers usually in a short time frame with experienced volunteer supervision. Much of the materials and services are donated. The amount of donated materials and services can vary greatly from home to home. The required materials and services not donated have to be purchased.
The land is usually purchased, however on occasion it is donated. They also have been donated homes which they in turn renovate for use by them or to sell to raise funds. The vast majority of the funds and donations raised in our community, stay in our community to help these deserving families.
So how can you help? They would love it if you could help on a build. You don’t have to worry about skills; you will get taught what to do – you just have to want to help out and learn.
You can also get involved in the organization or at the Restore. If you have time and the desire they would love to have your help either in the office or in the Restore. The Restore is where you can donate building materials that can be reused. You can also purchase things for your own home or cottage. The funds raised in the store are used to cover the local chapter’s expenses and the builds costs.
Over the years I have sent many things to them from doors and windows to tile and kitchen cabinets. Some building material suppliers also send brand new but unwanted products to the Restore – many more could send stuff to them.
So next time you are planning your renovation, please look at what you can provide to them and maybe they will have an item you need. You will be helping out in the community, being good to our environment, and you could be also saving yourself some green.
About the Author
Rob Wright has grown up around construction and in the mid 1990’s, Rob joined and took over Citadel Renovations in Ottawa. Rob has presented seminars at the local home shows on various renovations subjects and is a contributor to the Home Renovation Guide. Rob has been active in the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association for many years and previously served as the Renovation Council Chair. For more information, visit CitadelRenovations.com.
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