How many families have you helped?
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Since 1998, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland has helped 84 families in Northumberland County achieve or maintain affordable homeownership. We have covered the county with homes in Alderville, Brighton, Cobourg, Colborne, Port Hope and Warkworth. We intend to help another 50 families in the next five years.
Do you give away homes?
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No, we do NOT give away homes. Habitat for Humanity Northumberland homes are purchased with no downpayment, however homeowners do pay an interest-free mortgage and they must complete 500 hours of "Sweat Equity," before they move into their home.
"Sweat Equity" is Habitat's name for the labour homeowners put into building their homes, working in the ReStore, or doing various other tasks as assigned by the affiliate. Sweat Equity hours can only be started once the family has been offered a partnership and must be completed before the homeowner moves into their new home.
How do you finance builds?
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Monetary donations received by Habitat for Humanity Northumberland go directly into building homes. We reduce the cost of building new homes by using modest designs, donated materials and services, volunteer labour, and minimal marketing expenses. We are grateful to our many volunteers, partners and sponsors, their contributions make our builds possible.
Because we hold the mortages for all of the homes we have built in the past, all of the partner family mortgage payments we receive are reinvested into building more homes in our community. We call this the revolving fund. Each house we build allows us to build more homes in the future.
How can I get involved?
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There are many different opportunities to become involved with Habitat for Humanity Northumberland. You can swing a hammer and build a home, volunteer in the ReStore, join a committee, sponsor a lunch for volunteers, or donate to help build a home. For more information on these and other opportunities click here You may also contact us at 289-252-0999 x 29 for more information.
How do you select future homeowners?
Future homeowners are selected by an independent committee and are chosen on the basis of:
1. Need
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Does your current place of residence fit your physical needs?
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Is the wiring/plumbing/ventilation adequate?
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Is it affordable?
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Total family income must be classified by Canadian standards (as defined by the CRA) as low-income
2. Ability to Repay a Mortgage
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Do you have a steady and reliable income? (sources of income may be employment, pension, ODSP)
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Do you have a good work history?
3. Willingness to Partner with us
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Would you like to improve your family's current situation?
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How will you contribute 'sweat equity'?
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Is helping your community important to you?
Total family income (before deductions) must be classified as low income.
To find out more about applying to become a future homeowner click here.
How do you fund administrative costs?
The ReStore - Habitat's home improvement retail store - funds our operating costs. The ReStore sells new and gently-used products at significantly reduced prices. All of the inventory sold in the ReStore is donated to us. Our ReStore relies on donations of materials, such as doors, furniture, paint, lumber, kitchen cabinets, bath sinks, windows, appliances, and so much more! Renovating? The ReStore will pick up your gently used donations. The ReStore offers charitable tax receipts for any material donation worth $50 or more.
The Cobourg ReStore is located at 764 Division Street, Cobourg ON K9A 5V2. To find out more about the ReStore click here.