Have you ever wondered what goes into handing over the keys to a family for their Habitat for Humanity new home? Well, it takes quite a village to accomplish this amazing feat and we could not achieve this without the help of many individuals and organizations in our community!
If “Home is Where the Heart is”, then there are many hearts at Habitat for Humanity MVI that are truly warmed while helping local families to achieve their dream of owning their own home through our Homeownership Program. Habitat for Humanity MVI is a registered charity whose mission is to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. By providing affordable housing, we believe this enables families to live out today’s realities and prepares for tomorrow’s transformations. Every Habitat house changes the lives of our donors, our volunteers, and our future homeowners.
What we believe:
- Every person deserves a safe and decent place to live.
- Every child should have a home base from which to explore the world.
- Every donation helps a family build a safe and affordable home.
- Every purchase helps a family build strength, stability, and self-reliance.
- Every door unlocks the potential for a better life.
How does it work?
Families are selected based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat. Habitat for Humanity MVI builds houses, with community support, that are sold to families that meet our criteria. There is no down payment, and the mortgage is interest free. Each family partners with Habitat for Humanity MVI by also contributing sweat equity hours. An independent Family Selection committee is responsible for reviewing and assessing the applications. Families including single parent families, families with children and families with elder relatives living in their home (as long as there are children) can apply. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants and we embrace all socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Other ways to get involved: Volunteer!
Engaging and retaining volunteers is also vital to the success of Habitat for Humanity MVI. Our volunteers enable us to better support our mission of providing affordable homeownership to the communities we serve. Volunteering on the Habitat build site and at the ReStore is a rewarding experience that everyone will enjoy. It is a great chance to give back to the community, make friends, have fun, and receive on the job training for all work undertaken! To volunteer with Habitat, sign up on our online portal, wait for your application to be approved, then start signing up for shifts all from the comfort of your home! If you have any questions about the process of signing up or any other volunteering related questions, please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteercoordinator@habitatmvi.org
Recycle and Shop Local:
Our ReStores are public retail outlets operated by Habitat for Humanity MVI. The ReStore provides a wide variety of affordable new and gently used home furnishings, appliances, lighting, plumbing, hardware, building materials and supplies for sale to the general public. Proceeds generated cover operating costs and assist in funding local build projects.
If you have not done so already, check out the Nanaimo and Duncan Restores where you can purchase gently used building materials and home décor and locate contact information for free curb-side pick and donation locations! When you like our ReStore Nanaimo Facebook page or our Restore Duncan Facebook page, you will get the latest on new arrivals and sales!
Shopping at our ReStore is also an environmentally conscious decision. Through this recycling process, Habitat’s nearly 100 Canadian ReStores have helped to divert thousands of tonnes of building materials from the landfills annually. The ReStore is located next door to the Habitat office on Mostar Road in Nanaimo and our Duncan location is located at 251 Government Street.
Interested in our previous builds? Check out our Mid-Island Projects here:
https://www.habitatmvi.org/projects/mid-island-projects/
If you would like more information, or sponsor a build, please contact us at: info@habitatmvi.org