After 3 years, 3 families get keys to new homes through Habitat for Humanity
The homes on Burton Street near Hamilton General will house a total of 19 parents and children
After nearly three years and hundreds of labour hours, Hamilton's Burton Street filled with cheers and applause as three families were handed the keys to their new homes.
It comes from the efforts of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, the organization that recruits volunteers, overseen by paid experts, to build homes for people in need, "equipping them with the foundation and tools necessary to break themselves free from poverty. "
The project to house these families on the residential street northeast of Hamilton General Hospital began in December 2013.
"The timeframe was extended, to say the least," said Habitat for Humanity Hamilton's executive director, Sean Ferris. "That's part of the challenge of a living classroom."
He was referring to the fact that this project marked the first time the organization's local chapter has partnered with Mohawk College and both high school boards to recruit co-op students.
Erika Lerchner, a 17-year-old from Saint Mary's Catholic High School, said "it's definitely been an educational experience," as well as a good networking opportunity for her.
"It's like a dream for us," said Abdur Chowdhury, one of the home recipients, after being presented with the keys.
He, his wife, and their three children have lived in Hamilton since 2008, but Friday is their first day as home owners.
"We want to thank all the volunteers for making our dreams come true," said Chowdhury in a speech to the crowd. "Thank you for making our children's lives strong and bright and beautiful."
The other families receiving keys were the Moo and Paw families. All together, the three families are comprised of six adults and 13 children.
In lieu of a traditional down-payment, each family contributed 500 hours of what Habitat calls "sweat equity" into the construction of their own home.
The three families will receive an interest-free, geared-to-income mortgage. Their monthly payments go into Habitat's "Fund for Humanity," and all mortgage payments made by partner families funnel back into Habitat's Home Build Program for future projects.
"We're so happy for the Moo, Paw and Chowdhury families who will not only become home owners, but will also have access to a vibrant and safe neighbourhood," said Sean Ferris, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton.
Habitat for Humanity Hamilton has existed since 1991. Since then, the organization has provided homes for 22 families, including these three.