Habitat for Humanity in the NWT is planning two projects this year – a new build in Yellowknife and one in Behchokǫ̀.
Yellowknife’s Elks Lodge on Monday donated $75,000 to help the organization build those homes. Habitat for Humanity treasurer Robert Charpentier said it marked the first time the NWT group had attempted two builds in one year.
“It’s quite a lot to chew off,” he said. “We’re pretty confident we can pull it off.”
Charpentier says the Elks Lodge had played a big role in Habitat for Humanity’s success in the city, as many of its founding members came from the lodge.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
Habitat for Humanity also funds projects with money from the NWT Housing Corporation and the federal Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
This year, the way in which the group’s houses are built will change.
Normally, a family awaiting a Habitat house must put in a certain number of “sweat equity” hours – in other words, they help to build their new home. With social distancing now required, that commitment may change.
“It’s going to be a lot harder because there’s going to be a lot less people can do,” Charpentier said.
Charpentier said the organization is working out the exact logistics for the upcoming season. Other ways for families to participate may need to be created, he said.
