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Meaghan admitted that Brighton is one of her favourite communities. There have been 3 builds in Brighton and all well supported. Vision - a world where everyone has a place to live. Northumberland Habitat for Humanity has one of the highest per capita producers of homes in Canada. 56 families helped since 1998. They have a local board. A retail store, the Restore, where they accept and sell gently used building materials. They can provide tax receipts for donations and will come and pick up donations. Their main program is home ownership. Habitat started in Georgia. They believe everyone should have a decent, affordable home. Volunteers provide labour and donations. They work on 0% loans / mortgages. Payments geared to income and can be adjusted annually. Families contribute sweat equity of 500 hours towards their home, this can be in the Restore or in their home. Typical homes 900 to 1200 square feet. Not elaborate, basic homes, putting money in parts that will last like foundations, and no upgrades. No garages, no paved driveways etc. Their criteria; need shelter, able to pay, willing to partner. Payments are set at 25% of income. Homes are sold at fair market value and can be arranged with one or two mortgages. The homes can be sold anytime by owner, but appreciation value is shared between Habitat and family depending on their years in the home. It has been calculated that Habitat provides a return of $4 to the community for every $1 invested in the program. In Brighton, there have been 6 families helped, 3 new builds and 3 Renews in which family is helped with a loan to fix up homes. This is typically for furnace or roof. Habitat Northumberland's strategic plan is to help an additional 50 families over next 5 years, 10 per year. A challenge was put to Brighton Rotary. Both Port Hope and Northumberland Sunrise clubs have recently participated and volunteered in local builds. Meaghan is organizing a build in Brighton in 2018. It is actually a house donated, and moved to new location on land donated by the Municipality of Brighton. They are preparing a foundation to accept the home and will need help. How will Brighton Rotarian's and Friends respond?
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