Fundraiser targets Habitat land
Efforts are underway to ensure Habitat for Humanity has a permanent foundation to build on.
A group of local residents want to raise $300,000 to purchase a piece of land for the Vernon chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which has a goal of constructing affordable housing for local residents in need.
“Without affordable homes our young, working families have to relocate leaving an unbalanced demographic in our communities,” said Beth Marks, with the group known as Habitat Champions.
“We need our young families to be able to live and flourish in the North Okanagan.”
Along with Marks, the other Habitat Champions include Sareena Sharma Nickoli, Karin O’Brian, Charlene Silvester, Kathy Szoboticsanec and Cheryl Kaminsky. They will work with Glory Westwell and the Habitat committee.
Marks says the goal of $300,000 was selected because that is the cost of a lot which will possibly allow a four-plex.
“Habitat wisely does not go into debt so once we have the land all other facets will come into force and the build will begin,” she said.
“Once the first build happens, it becomes the seed of the next land purchase and the next build. Kelowna has done 18 projects benefitting 75 people to date. There’s no reason why our North Okanagan communities cannot do the same.”
The Vernon chapter was founded in 2007 and the agency constructed one residential unit as part of the Under One Roof project on 25th Avenue.
“We anticipate that businesses that rely on employees who fit the criteria of a Habitat homeowner will be especially keen to come on board with donations and sponsorships,” said Marks.
Donations for purchasing land can be done at www.vernonhabitat.com or at Charlene Silvester’s notary office at 3003 30th Ave.
They can also be mailed to Habitat for Humanity at Box 1703 Stn Main, Vernon, B.C., V1T 8C3.
“Follow us on Facebook at Habitat for Humanity Vernon Chapter: Lend A Hand To Buy The Land,” said Marks.
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