Habitat Niagara raises another house

Habitat for Humanity Niagara has been building houses in the Niagara Peninsula since 1993. This year the house built on Tasker St. in St. Catharines was a partnership Habitat for Humanity and the Mennonite faith community.

Rudy Thiessen, Martin Durksen and Vic Ens formed the build committee while Ed Enns from Hamilton volunteered to supervise the build. Suppliers and trades people willingly joined the partnership. Some companies donated materials and skilled workers, while others donated money. The local Mennonite churches held fundraisers and donated money. The city donated the development fees, permit fees and the installation of services.

The house was finished ahead of schedule. Rudy Thiessen, chair of this project, mentioned the good weather and the co-operation of the trades. No time was wasted as the trades came promptly when they were needed. About 75 to 100 volunteers and skilled workers were involved. Service clubs, community groups and churches provided lunches.

As the result of a careful selection process, Cindi Powell and her daughters Erica and Emily, are the proud owners of this house. Their responsibility is to pay an interest-free mortgage based on their income, and contribute 500 hours of volunteer service back into the community. They will also have training in money management and house maintenance responsibility.

Keith Gowans, Director of Construction at Habitat for Humanity Niagara, commented that the dedication and skills of the Mennonite community resulted in the smoothest build project in his experience. A home dedication and key ceremony was held on Nov. 14.