New CentreTowne phase begins
Fourteen of 24 Habitat for Humanity townhouses at Centre Street location completed
Work is set to begin on the fourth phase of Habitat for Humanity Durham’s CentreTowne project. Four new townhouses will be built. (Photo by Dave Flaherty)
By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express
The next phase of Habitat for Humanity Durham’s CentreTowne project is scheduled to begin this week.
The organization is hosting a “wall raising” at 372 Centre Street in Oshawa.
The next phase will see the construction of four townhouses and is set to be completed sometime in 2019, according to Habitat for Humanity executive director Mary Bone.
A total of 14 of the planned 24 houses have been completed so far.
The fifth and final phase of the project will see six more townhouses built.
CentreTowne was originally expected to finish in 2017, but Bone says it more likely now be 2020.
While she is not discouraged in the least, Bone says the progress of the project is really dependent on finances.
“It is all very dependent on cash flow. If we had the money in the bank, we’d have them all started tomorrow,” she said.
Bone admits donations have been down but she’s hoping to see them rebound.
“We always say volunteers are the backbone behind this project, but financial contributions would be right under them,” she adds.
The community can support Habitat for Humanity through financial donations but in a number of other ways.
Local businesses or organizations can schedule a build event at CentreTowne or even donate materials or supplies for the project.
Despite being a bit behind schedule, Bone says those in the homes built so far are very happy.
“They all love their homes, they are beautiful homes. Their heating and electrical costs have almost been cut in half,” she says. “Their kids are able to go to school confident that when they come there will be food on the table, or they’ll be able to get new running shoes. Everything else much is much more affordable.”
Applications are currently being accepted for the four newest townhouses.
Application forms and rules around eligibility can be found at habitatdurham.com.
The organization’s annual fundraising golf tournament is set to take place on Thursday, Sept. 13 at Whitevale Golf Club.
There is currently space left for two foursomes in the event, which includes 18 holes, lunch, dinner, silent auction, and prizes at a private golf course.
To register, visit habitatdurham.com or call 905-428-7434 ext. 24.