The Cranbrook Habitat for Humanity project, under the umbrella of the HFH West Kootenay Affiliate, will be ready to accept applications for a Habitat family starting in January.

The application process will run through January with interviews and the final selection being made in February. Application forms can be picked up starting January 2 from local service agencies and the Salvation Army office in Cranbrook; 533 Slater Rd. NW, or downloaded off the website www.habitatwk.ca and mailed to PO Box 336, Cranbrook, V1C 4H8.

Project Leader/Chair Gord Johnston noted, “Contrary to popular belief Habitat for Humanity Canada homes, built by local volunteers and donations, are not given away. We partner with a family in need, who will hold a no-interest mortgage, to provide them with an opportunity for home ownership they may not otherwise be able to achieve.”

Local retired contractor Jim Bennett, who has agreed to be Building Leader, said he is aiming for an April start on the actual build. “We’ve made a few changes to the original plans in order for the home to better fit the configuration of the lot. We’ve also upgraded to double walls and triple-paned windows for energy efficiency and to suit our Cranbrook climate.”

Johnston added, “We’ve been overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the number of businesses and individuals who have already come forward willing to donate goods and services, labour, talent and materials. But we also need cash donations for some building materials, tools for volunteers and other expenses not covered by donors. Habitat for Humanity is a registered non-profit Society able to issue tax receipts for donations.

“Some contributors to date include BC Hydro, the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation, Regional District of East Kootenay, the City of Cranbrook and RBC Royal Bank of Canada,” he continued.

“I also want to mention the support we’ve received from Ekman Land Surveyors, Price Excavating, Wolfpack Signs and Printing, Steidl Kambeitz, Phillip Jones and to Allweather Windows, The Brick and Southeast Disposal, who have offered funds, materials and services to the project once the building begins. From the number of calls I’ve received, I expect our contributors list to grow exponentially,” he concluded.
For more information or to get involved go to: www.habitatwk.ca and click on Cranbrook Project.

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