Habitat for Humanity Okanagan Society

Caught in punishing cycles of unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded conditions, or lack of access to affordable financing, many families live with a constant burden of uncertainty, stress and fear in Canada and around the world. Thats why we partner with working, low-income families to help them build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. Habitat homeownership provides families with more than just equity it instills them with a renewed sense of pride and responsibility.

Home Building in Canada We bring communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers, donors and Habitat homeowners, local Habitats in every province and territory across Canada help build and rehabilitate decent and affordable homes, from single-family houses to multi-unit developments. We dont give away free homes - the people who partner with us pay an affordable mortgage geared to their income and volunteer 500 hours with us. Our model of affordable homeownership bridges a gap for low-income, working families, by providing them with the opportunity to purchase their own home. How our model of affordable homeownership works Our path to homeownership requires hard work, time and dedication, but this helps ensure the long-term success of the families we partner with. Families who apply and are accepted to become Habitat homeowners purchase their home through a no down payment mortgage geared to their income and contribute at least 500 volunteer hours to Habitat. Once they move in, Habitat homeowners are responsible for maintaining their own home. We help families and individuals prepare for homeownership by providing homeowner education classes, ranging from financial literacy and budgeting to home-repair and maintenance. How we keep our mortgages affordable We make affordable homeownership accessible by removing barriers that can make owning a home impossible for many low income working families and individuals. Although Habitat homes are sold at fair-market value, Habitat homeowners monthly mortgage payments are set at no more than 30 percent of their gross household income, including principal repayment and property tax. Each year, the gross household income is reviewed and adjustments to the monthly mortgage payment are made based on that income assessment. Qualifying for Habitat homeownership Habitat homeowners must be active participants in building a better home and future for themselves and their families. To qualify, eligible homeowners must be: In need of better housing. Potential homebuyers might be dealing with poorly maintained, unhealthy or overcrowded housing; unaffordable rent; inaccessible housing for people living with disabilities; or have other shelter needs. Willing to partner with Habitat: Habitat homebuyers volunteer a minimum of 500 hours with Habitat including volunteer hours spent building their own home or at a Habitat ReStore. This also includes classes in personal finances, home maintenance and other homeowner topics. Able to make affordable mortgage payments: Habitat homeowners buy their home for the fair market value. Mortgage payments are made affordable because they do not exceed 30 percent of the gross household income, and income is evaluated on a yearly basis. Learn more about applying for housing Get involved Local Habitats in every province and territory build homes, manage homeownership applications and provide homeowner families with training and support. Contact your local Habitat to get involved. Find your nearest Habitat Volunteer with Habitat Our global work We partner with other Habitats in countries around the world to help thousands of people through housing, infrastructure support and training. We also provide international volunteer opportunities where Canadians can build with Habitat through Global Village. More on our international projects. Volunteer globally with Global Village Indigenous housing partnerships We connect Indigenous families and communities with local Habitats to help create decent places to live by collaborating on housing solutions. We also provide skills and training opportunities to Indigenous youth and women to equip them with the trade skills they need to maintain or build new homes in their communities. More on our Indigenous housing partnerships

Anyone can apply to become a Habitat homeowner, but must be in need of housing, able to make affordable mortgage payments and be willing to actively partner with their local Habitat, including a commitment to completing 500 volunteer hours

Working, low-income families

Habitat for Humanity Okanagan Society is open Monday 9:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday 9:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00pm Thursdayday 9:00am - 5:00pm Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Call (416) 644-0988, or use the website.

Phone

(416) 644-0988

Website

https://habitat.ca/en/