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Habitat builds in Halton Most widely recognized for international humanitarian outreach, Habitat for Humanity is as active across Canada as it is abroad, and has been serving Halton communities for 11 years. Although Halton Region is commonly thought of as wealthy, 8.5 per cent of its residents live below the poverty line and Halton's State of Housing Report indicates there are 2,000 low-income applicants waiting to be housed, according to a news release. Through its home ownership model, Habitat for Humanity Halton helps lift families out of poverty by enabling them to build equity in their homes, rather than wave goodbye to their hard-earned income in high rent payments, often in over-crowded or substandard rental housing. Contrary to popular myth, it doesn't give the homes away. Families who meet the criteria purchase their homes at Fair Market Value. It is Habitat's financial model that makes this possible, said the release. Given the limited availability and the high cost of land in Oakville and Burlington, Habitat Halton has broadened its strategy for providing affordable housing in the community. It is currently piloting a new initiative. This year, Habitat Halton purchased three existing lower-priced condominiums, which it is renovating for partner families to move into over the holiday season. Habitat homeowners continue to be selected on the basis of need. They must be living or working in Halton, with income below the designated poverty line and living in inadequate or poverty housing, said the release. `Poverty Housing' means they are paying more than 30 per cent of their income on housing. The family is required to contribute 500 hours of `Sweat Equity' on the construction or renovation of their home or volunteer, for example, in Habitat Halton's ReStore. Applicants must prove their credit-worthiness to be able to take on a 25-to 35-year, no-interest mortgage to repay the cost of their home, according to Habitat. By the new year, Habitat for Humanity Halton will have helped to lift 18 families out of poverty, allowing them to spend less money on housing costs and to build equity for the future. Studies show the high impact of the Habitat model, including improved child behaviour and academic achievement, and parents returning to school and getting better jobs. For information on Help Us Bring a Family Home for the Holidays, contact development@habitathalton.ca, call 905637-4446, ext. 224 or visit habitathalton.ca. Support of Habitat's ReStore at 1800 Appleby Line, Burlington, means 100 per cent of cash donations go directly into acquiring and building homes for families. 23 · Friday, November 18, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com