Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta held its groundbreaking event for 24 new homes in Chestermere on Wednesday to a crowd of builders, supporters, and homeowners.
The event was a strong first step for building the community of Chestermere together.
Habit for Humanity Southern Alberta representatives explained their model that helps preserve and strengthen a community identity. Future homeowners complete volunteer work hours and must have a secure job to be eligible. They pay a zero interest mortgage. The money from the mortgage goes to building future homes for future homeowners. Community organizations and builder donate services and supplies to make this astounding venture real.
Qualico's representative, Claudio Palumbo, spoke to the importance of Habitat for Humanity's work as a key part of their vision. The representative from Star Building Materials, Ken Crockett, outlined the Ride through the Rockies fundraising event as a key longstanding contribution to this effort. Mayor Shannon Dean and MLA Chantelle de Jonge spoke of the necessity, community importance, andtheir ongoing support of these projects. A tribal elder offered blessings for the site and the people in the Blackfoot language. In the end, one of the homeowners spoke of her struggles and triumphs as part of her journey to obtaining a house from Habitat for Humanity.
The groundbreaking event was compelling and heartwarming.
Should you wish to volunteer or donate, check out Habitat for Humanity Souther Alberta's donation and volunteer pages for more information.