Three Vernon families will be celebrating the holidays in their new homes as a result of their partnership with Habitat for Humanity Okanagan. The public is invited to join in the celebrations on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 2404 35th Ave.
Hundreds of volunteers, thousands of hours and dozens of generous community sponsors have culminated in safe, decent and affordable housing for these local families. Habitat for Humanity Okanagan is excited to celebrate the completion of the 35th Avenue Triplex build with the Habitat key ceremony with speeches by local dignitaries honouring the volunteers, a ribbon cutting ceremony, key presentation, tours and refreshments.
The key ceremony aims to bring together the new homeowners, neighbours, volunteers, donors and sponsors to celebrate the completion of three beautiful homes.
“I am so very proud of our Vernon Chapter and all our partners who have contributed to make this project possible. The Vernon 35th Avenue Triplex is an excellent example of a beautifully designed affordable home,” said Board Chair, Habitat for Humanity Okanagan, Stacey Fenwick. “Affordable housing is a trending topic for all levels of government and is a critical issue in our Okanagan Valley. The Habitat model of affordable home ownership is not only about affordable housing but also community building and economic empowerment. I would like to invite anyone interested in the affordable housing issue to reach out to Habitat to learn more about how you can make a difference.”
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 homeownership. 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.
Habitat for Humanity Okanagan has been in the Okanagan valley for over 20 years, having built and sold 33 homes. From Kelowna, Habitat serves the region from Lake Country to Peachland. It also includes a Chapter in Vernon which serves the North Okanagan area and a Chapter in Penticton which serves the South Okanagan.
“We always dreamed of having a “forever home” where our kids would have the space to grow and play, but the high cost of rent made it difficult for us to set money aside for emergencies and, consequently, save enough money for a down payment,” said Habitat homeowner Natalie.
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