An Affordable Home for Veterans and their Families: Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa now accepting applications for Phase III of East End Development

OTTAWA, July 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Veterans and their families who would not qualify for supportive housing but are searching for affordable housing may have another option - Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa (Habitat GO) is currently accepting applications for a series of eight townhomes to be constructed in Orleans in 2019.

"Everyone deserves a safe, decent and affordable home. Habitat for Humanity's unique home ownership model works because families always pay an affordable, zero-interest mortgage geared to 25 per cent of their income," says Alexis Ashworth, Habitat GO CEO. "We know there is an existing need for affordable housing among veterans and their families and we would be honoured to welcome them to our new community in Orleans."

According to a 2013 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) survey, Habitat for Humanity families are happier, healthier, and more financially secure after moving into their Habitat Home. 89% say their family life has improved, 86% report being happier, 70% report improved health and stress, and 65% report an improvement in their children's confidence. 

Habitat GO began partnering with organizations supporting Ottawa-area veterans when it began its successful Military Build program two years ago. Sponsored by Lockheed Martin, Military Build encourages Canadian veterans, active duty military members and reserve members to volunteer and share in a unique experience at Habitat GO's build.

The first-ever Veteran Build Day was held in November 2017 and attracted more than 25 veterans and active-duty military to help build four homes. Habitat GO is also a proud partner of Wounded Warriors Canada, a national mental health charity whose mission is to honour and support our ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families.

Applicants must have a steady gross family income between $46,933 and $69,542. They also must have dependent children, be living in a situation of housing need, and be willing to partner with Habitat GO by completing 500 volunteer hours in various capacities. Application information is available at https://habitatgo.com/own-a-home/.

Leacross Landing is Habitat GO's largest development to date, and will include 16 townhomes upon its completion in 2019. Four townhomes were completed in June 2018, with another four scheduled for completion in December 2018. The third and final phase will consist of eight units and be completed in late 2019.

About us: Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa (Habitat GO) has been building strength, stability and self-reliance in our community since 1993. To date, we have served 76 families in the Greater Ottawa area. The Habitat model is simple: we work with community sponsors and volunteers to construct affordable, decent homes for families who otherwise could not obtain a conventional mortgage. Future homeowners partner with Habitat GO and commit to 500 volunteer hours constructing their home and assisting with Habitat GO initiatives. They then pay an affordable, geared-to-income mortgage. Habitat GO gives families the opportunity to achieve the dream of affordable homeownership and acts as a hand-up, not a hand-out.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa