Habitat for Humanity plans duplex

By Jeremy Appel on November 21, 2018.

NEWS PHOTO JEREMY APPEL
Habitat for Humanity announced Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2108 it's building a duplex in the Southlands neighbourhood, which is slated to begin construction in the summer, Pictured: Habitat for Humanity regional co-chair Amber Hanson, Mayor Ted Clugston, co-chair Cal Nordlee, Medicine Hat MLA Bob Wanner, construction chair Annette Andreas and secretary treasurer Abby Rehm.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel

Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta announced Tuesday it’s building its first new home since 2013.

Located on Southlands Drive S.E., the duplex will provide an affordable home for two local families, who will contribute 500 volunteer hours and pay a mortgage that won’t exceed 25 per cent of household income.

The city provided $70,000 in funding for the project, which is half the total cost.

“The government has been very, very good in helping fund these initiatives to end homelessness,” said Cal Nordlee, Habitat for Humanity’s regional co-chair.

This is the first time Habitat for Humanity is building a duplex in Medicine Hat.

“Duplexes are a little more cost efficient,” Nordlee said. “You can get two families in because you’re sharing walls. It saves a little bit of money.”

The city was able to provide a large lot for that purpose, he added.

Nordlee says the goal is for building to start in the summer, with the homes ready for autumn.

Mayor Ted Clugston, who was on hand for the announcement, said the project will fulfill an important need in the community.

“You talk about a hierarchy of needs — food, shelter and clothing — and people can’t do a lot of other things (without them),” said Clugston.

Medicine Hat MLA Bob Wanner, who was involved in bringing Habitat for Humanity to the city, was also present for the announcement.

He said this project is an example of “a public movement of community members taking care of their neighbours.”

“It sets an example for other community groups and individuals to achieve those things that contribute to a quality of life for everybody.”

Those interested in applying to live in the house can take an eligibility quiz at habitatsouthernab.ca/own-a-home.