Christmas came early for three Vernon families Saturday.
The trio of families will be celebrating the holidays in their new homes as a result of their partnership with Habitat for Humanity Okanagan. Their new triplex in the 2400 block of 35th Avenue was officially opened in a ceremony Saturday morning.
Hundreds of volunteers, thousands of hours and dozens of generous community sponsors culminated in safe, decent and affordable housing for these local families.
Among those speaking at the ribbon cutting were Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund and Coun. Juliette Cunningham, a strong, vocal advocate for affordable housing.
“It’s so heartwarming to see these beautiful families and these beautiful children,” said Cunningham. “It’s just so moving.”
Said Mund: “There’s a lot of great causes around here and we know when there are kids involved, the community steps up in Vernon. Always has, always will.”
Habitat for Humanity Okanagan is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, a non-profit housing organization. Habitat for Humanity’s model empowers families to invest in home ownership. We believe every family should have safe, decent, affordable housing.
Through volunteer labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity partners with local families to build strength, stability and self-reliance through home ownership. Habitat for Humanity homes are sold to partner families, at fair market value, with no cash down payment required and are financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages.
Mortgage payments go into a revolving fund, which is used by Habitat affiliates to build more homes for more families in need.