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Habitat building a place to call home by Dominik Kurek Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Wednesday, July 31, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Samantha, Christine, Maddie, and Curtis will be the recipients of Habitat for Humanity's newest home in Oakville. The family was introduced during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new house Monday. Habitat for Humanity Halton plans to build 28 affordable homes in Halton by the end of 2014. | photo by Hannah Yoon ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) A single mother and her three teenaged children -- along with Habitat for Humanity Halton representatives and supporters -- put shovels in the ground Monday (July 29) to mark the construction start of the family's new home. Habitat for Humanity Halton hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Pembroke Drive in north Oakville where the organization is building a three-bedroom bungalow for the longtime Oakville family. "This means stability," said mom, Christine who has lived in Oakville for nearly two decades. (The family's surname is being withheld for privacy). "It means a safe place that I know we're not going to be told to leave because the owners are selling or the house is falling apart. It's something that's ours. We've never had anything that's ours." Christine said she's overwhelmed and grateful to Habitat for the opportunity she and her family have been given. Christine and her teenaged children Samantha, Curtis and Madison expect to move in by next spring when the house is scheduled for completion. Christine's father Gary, who came from Sarnia to attend the groundbreaking, said "from the family, this is greatly appreci- ated. That comes from the bottom of my heart so thank you very much, all of you." The Pembroke Drive construction project marks the third Habitat build in Oakville and the 18th in Halton since Habitat Halton formed in 1999. The organization doesn't provide a handout to families, but rather a handup. Recipient families purchase their homes through a 35-year, interest-free, no-profit mortgage held by Habitat. Payments are adjustable to, but never exceed 30 per cent of, a family's income. Habitat Halton Chair Hugh Hyndman said "We have a unique, `give them a hand-up' approach where the family commits to putting in 500 hours of sweat equity. We will, in turn, provide them with a no-interest, no-profit mortgage on the fair market value of this home." Hyndman said the approach helps the organization mobilize volunteers and community partners to build affordable housing and promote home ownership to break the cycle of poverty. Habitat hopes to build more than 20 new homes across the region over the next 18 months -- 75 affordable homes over the next five years. Halton Region Chair Gary Carr could not attend the groundbreaking ceremony, but a statement from him was read in which he thanked Habitat for its role in helping to build a strong and healthy community in Halton. Carr stated affordable and assisted housing is a priority for the Region, which has partnered with Habitat in 2012 to help bring more affordable housing units to the community in the future. "I want to thank Habitat for Humanity for stepping up to help families live the Canadian dream," said Ward 1 Councillor Alan Johnston, representing Mayor Rob Burton. Ward 5 Councillor Marc Grant, who represents the neighbourhood, said the family will be moving to a great place that has parks and walk-to libraries. John Gerrard, Habitat Halton executive director, said the organization aims to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for all. "Christine and her kids will come to appreciate and enjoy living in and looking after their new home and be able to live in what they consider a safe and decent home," Gerrard said. "Let us celebrate the lasting impact of this new home for one family, one neighbourhood and one community." Habitat Halton is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, which is part of a network that spans 90 countries, which has built 600,000 homes. 2013 INVENTORY CLEAR OUT 24 Golfs* 87 Jettas* 10 Tiguans* 39 Passats** 4 Passat CC** 8 Beetles** UP TO $3500 CASH BACK RATES FROM 0% 2 Touareg** * will receive a $250 fuel savings card ** will receive a $500 fuel savings card PURCHASE AND TAKE DELIVERY OF AN IN STOCK NEW 2013 VOLKSWAGEN AND RECEIVE: · $250 TO $500 FUEL SAVINGS CARD FROM PETRO CANADA · PLUS- A CHANCE TO WIN A COMPLETE SET OF WINTER TIRES AND RIMS WITH YOUR PURCHASE* CELEBRATE vw.ca Purchase a vehicle from Oakville Volkswagen and we will make a Donation to the Oakville Hospital Foundation! Fuel Savings Card is available to those who purchase from dealer in-stock ~ vehicles. "Gas Savings" card is $0.20 per litre, 1,250 or 2,500 litres total, Maximum value of card is $250 or $500 depending on the model. Petro-Canada is a Suncor Energy business. Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. used under licence. See an Oakville VW Sales rep for further details. 0% APR $10,000 borrowed at 0% for 48 months, payments would be $208.33 per month, cost of borrowing $0, OAC. *Winter tire and rim package maximum value $2499.00 (for Touareg), includes mounting, balancing and installation, example P225/55/ R18 Pirelli Scorpion winter tires, steel rims without sensors. Value of prize varies by model. No cash equivalent will be awarded. Chance of winning 1 in 70, will vary subject to number of deals entered into contest. Winner to be drawn on Sept. 6th, 2013.