The El Terek family fled Syria in 2016 and came to Moncton to start a new life. After living in public housing for years they will now have a place to call their own.
Habitat for Humanity will construct a $220,000 residence on a lot that was donated by the City of Dieppe. A majority of the costs associated with building a home will be covered by donations that include money, construction materials, legal services and labour.
The property will also qualify for the CMHC National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which supports the construction of mixed-income, mixed-tenure and mixed-use affordable housing.
According to Chantal Landry, the Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity Moncton, the El Tereks will not be receiving a free home, in fact proving they can pay a mortgage as well as property tax and insurance we’re required to qualify for the selection process.
Families must also demonstrate their need for housing whether it be that their current property is too small, expensive or for the El Tereks, not accessible.
“One of their family members got meningitis as a baby and has a disability, and the house is not accessible,” says Landry.
A new property will provide room for the family to live comfortably, although it will not be luxurious by any means.
The family is also required to serve 500 hours of volunteer work towards the construction of the home or the project.
Tasks that will be done include general labour jobs that don’t require trades skills, clean up, cooking meals. For those that are younger, jobs such as writing thank you cards or making baked goods is enough.
There has yet to be a date set for when the construction of the single-family bungalow will begin.
More on how you can contribute to the projection can be found on the Habitat for Humanity Moncton website.
