Alastair Davis, CEO for Habitat for Humanity, Niagara Region, presented a interesting overview of his organization.   Alastair has seen some disgusting living situations in the Niagara Region, where 14% of our residents live in poverty.   In our region, poverty affects one child in six.   Presently, 5,578 families are on the waiting list for a decent roof over their heads.
Habitat for Humanity has built 35 homes in the Niagara Region, and over 500 thousands around the world.   Finished homes are sold to the new owners at fair market value, with NO down payment, but new owners must spend 500 hours of labour on the house.   Habitat for Humanity holds the interest free mortgage.  Payments are geared to income.  Payments, (including taxes and utilities) are calculated at 30% of income.
All cash donations to Habitat for Humanity go directly to Habitat for Humanity, and that money never leaves the Fund.
To demonstrate the positive facts of a family having a decent place to live, statistics show that: 36% less social assistance is required; 24% of parents go back to school; 33% move on to better jobs; 39% of the kids get better grades at school; and 53% of the kids become better behaved.
Habitat for Humanity hopes to build 15 new homes in the Niagara Region in the next three years.   For every home built here they build another outside the region.   Presently, Habitat for Humanity has 11 lots available in Welland - but none in Fonthill.   Tax receipts are issued for donated lots at appraised value.  Habitat for Humanity  focus on children and youth. 
The average cost for material to build a lovely three bedroom house is $85,000.  A new owner is required to spend 500 hours of labour on the construction of the house. 
The recycling depot in St. Catharines accepts used kitchen cupboards, and all sorts of computers and electronic equipment. (They receive $250.00 per ton of recycled el. waste).   It all adds up.
Habitat for Humanity has a very positive impact on the community.
We, at Fonthill Rotary are thankful for this informative presentation. 
Thanks! 
 
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