Getting in those “Sweat Equity” hours

Although it may not look like work, these two members of a family selected to become home owners through Habitat for Humanity, are actually responding to a request to take two minutes off from several hours of volunteering at the Habitat Harvest Dinner, Auction and Raffle held on October 23, 2011. Both helped to set up tables, run errands, serve the appetizers, main course dinner and dessert, then clean up, in order to contribute toward the 500 hours of volunteer hours required as a down payment on their home. On an average, it takes 2 years of volunteering to accumulate the needed hours. On completion, and when a home is available, the family is granted an interest-free mortgage from Habitat with payments amounting to 30% (including taxes) of the annual family income. Families are selected on need, ability to make mortgage payments, and willingness to partner with Habitat  (sweat equity).

Family members, relatives and friends are encouraged to contribute toward the 500 hours by volunteering time toward building the home, working at the ReStore, or helping with recycling in either Gibsons, Sechelt or Pender Harbour.