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continued from p.10 Knoll called the SPLIT program a "good first initiative" to support the families new to Oakville. "The realization came to everybody very quickly that transportation would be an issue. We realized people would need transportation to be able to get groceries, go to the doctor or simply enjoy a movie," said Knoll, noting 17 passes have been processed so far for refugees. "We knew we had to provide access to our really excellent public transit service and the OCF agreed to use some of the money from the initial contributions to the Resettlement Fund to match funds with us to provide bus passes." The second agreement is to provide long-term solutions for refugee family housing through OCF's partnership with Habitat for Humanity Halton Mississauga. Transportation is a key hurdle for newcomers A total of $50,000 will go towards the development of housing solutions, including traditional Habitat builds and secondary suites. "The families now coming into our community in Oakville fit our model. They fit into the fact they want to be hard-working, contributing members of the community. It's really important for us to be a conduit to help renovate homes," said John Gerrard, Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga CEO. The organization will work with anyone who wants to renovate their basement, "as long as it meets compliance and regulations," Gerrard said. As part of the redecoration, the party will then house one of the refugee families for a period of time, which is the "objective of the partnership." "That's why we're excited to be a part of it. It's using our expertise, but it's also using funding from the Oakville Community Foundation and the government. We believe everyone should get a safe and decent affordable house," said Gerrard. The Resettlement Fund Advisory Task Force, which includes Knoll, Jenkinson and Gerrard, was formed in February to discuss distribution of the OCF endowment and how to direct the resources. The talks led to priority recommendations for funding, in addition to the Foundation's 2015 Vital Signs report. The task force will meet again this month to review applications sent to the Resettlement Fund granting round. Deadline for requests is tomorrow at noon and funding for eligible charities will be announced in June. To donate to the fund, visit www.theocf.org and click on Donate Now, select Oakville Resettlement Fund in the drop-down menu and follow the prompts. 11 | Thursday, April 7, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Interlocking Tumblestone, Retaining Walls, Garden Installation, Sodding & Excavating, Call for FREE Estimate plus more (905) 827-8158 · www.rogerslandscaping.org As a Maid Right owner you have my quality guarantee with every clean. FREE Schedule3 3cleans, cleans, Schedule get the 4th free* get the 4th free* *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge up to $150 value. Not valid on prior services. up to $125 value. Not valid on prior services. Not redeemable for cash. Applies to new Not redeemable for cash. Applies to new customers only. customers only. SM SPECIAL OFFER: OFFER: SPECIAL CLEAN CLEAN 289.809.9823 (XXX) XXX-XXXX localurladdressgoeshere.com Oakville.MaidRight.com Same Reliable Owners Clean Every Visit Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Colour-Coded Cloths Reduce Cross Contamination EnviroShield® Whole Home Disinfecting Strongest Guarantee In the Industry ©2015 Maid Right Franchising LLC. Maid Right and JAN-PRO International are subsidiaries of Premium Franchise Brands LLC.