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Cody Stuart / CREB®Now
Cody Stuart / CREB®Now

Dec. 09, 2019 | Cody Stuart

REALTORS® pitch in at Habitat for Humanity build during National Housing Day

As part of REALTORS® Care Week and National Housing Day, Calgary Realtors recently took part in a build day at Habitat for Humanity's newest affordable housing development in Silver Springs.

National Housing Day highlights the importance and need for affordable housing across Canada.

"As Realtors, we understand the need for affordable housing and strive to make homeownership a reality for those who need it most," said Sharon Bercuson, chair of the CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation board of governors. "Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity helps us reach that goal, and together we're transforming entire communities by lending a helping hand."

Under Habitat for Humanity's model, eligible families purchase a home with no down payment and no interest, and mortgage payments never exceed 25 per cent of each family's total household income.

The monthly payments are pooled together and used to build more homes for more families, so each family is helping another family become a homeowner.
"We're inspired by partners like CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation and their members for making such an incredible investment in family success through this development." - Gerrad Oishi, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta

September saw the completion and dedication of Habitat's Bowwood development. As is the norm with all Habitat projects, the 10 homes were completed with help from volunteers, who contributed nearly 30,000 hours of labour.

With several other projects under construction around the province – including developments in Calgary, Medicine Hat, Okotoks, Olds and Cochrane – Habitat for Humanity helps families in need by removing some of the obstacles to homeownership.

"We know that there is a great need for more affordable housing in Calgary. Our ability to

Cody Stuart / CREB®Now


help more families realize their dreams of owning a home is only possible with community support," said Gerrad Oishi, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. "That's why we're inspired by partners like CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation and their members for making such an incredible investment in family success through this development."

Homes at Habitat's most recent project – a 32-unit townhome complex in the northwest community of Silver Springs – will feature private entrances, two levels of living space and patios or balconies in each home, along with energy-efficient appliances to help lower utility bills.

To date, more than 500 volunteers and build day participants, including many Calgary and area Realtors, have given nearly 12,000 hours towards the construction of the homes in Silver Springs.

Announced earlier this year, Realtors Care Week underscores the role Realtors play to support and address housing issues while raising awareness for Canadians in need.

Tagged: Affordable Housing | Calgary | Calgary Real Estate | Calgary Real Estate News | Calgary Real Estate News | Charitable Foundation | CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation | Habitat For Humanity | National Housing Day | REALTORS | REALTORS | Realtors Care Week | Silver Springs


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