Businesses pledge $70K to project.
What stands today as a vacant lot on Muskoka Beach Road is one step closer to becoming home to two Gravenhurst-area families, thanks to a $70,000 donation pledge from Chamberlain Timber Mart and Home Building Centre Gravenhurst.
This pledge, together with the first community donation from the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst earlier this year, a recent donation from Residents Against Muskoka Poverty (RAMP), and a funding commitment from the District Municipality of Muskoka, officially launches “Building Futures in Gravenhurst,” Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North’s next build project, scheduled to deliver two semi-detached, 869-square-foot, universally accessible homes on Muskoka Beach Road in 2023.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Chamberlain Timber Mart and Gravenhurst Home Building Centre. Community involvement is critical to every Habitat home built,” said OGN’s CEO Kimberley Woodcock.
Site preparation is scheduled for April 2023, and groundbreaking is planned for June.
“We have served contractor trades in the Gravenhurst area for decades,” declared Rob Glecoff, owner of Home Building Centre in Gravenhurst. “We know the importance of a safe and affordable home and how badly affordable housing is needed in our town. We’re fully committed to supporting this project, and we’re looking forward to being involved. For us, this is about community.”
Doug Chamberlain, who co-owns Chamberlain Timber Mart with his brother Rick, echoed Glecoff. “We have supported the local community in many ways for over 71 years. Given our alignment with the work and values of Habitat for Humanity, we are proud to be one of the first local businesses supporting families in need of a safe and affordable home.”
Barb McCabe, president of the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst, added, “The Rotary Club of Gravenhurst recognizes the need for affordable housing in Gravenhurst and is pleased to support this project.”
Barb Bridgeman, chair of RAMP, agreed. “RAMP is so proud to support this exciting, new Habitat for Humanity build in Gravenhurst.”
Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz joined the declarations of support. “We are pleased that Habitat has chosen Gravenhurst as the site for their next project. Our community continues to show incredible support for Habitat’s projects and this one is no different. These builds are amazing examples of how our businesses and community organizations come together to support key initiatives. With the critical need for housing, the timing for this is perfect, and we look forward to more joint projects in Gravenhurst.”
Bonnie Dart, chair of Gravenhurst Against Poverty, said: “This is truly a wonderful opportunity for eligible families to be a part of building their own home. The families are empowered through financial education workshops and can pay off their mortgages with monthly payments that are adjusted to what they can reasonably manage. G.A.P. congratulates Habitat for making the dream of affordable home ownership come true for two eligible Gravenhurst families.”
Information regarding the eligibility criteria for the Habitat homes can be found on the Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North website at habitatgatewaynorth.com. Businesses and individuals interested in contributing to Building Futures in Gravenhurst should contact donate@habitatgatewaynorth.com.
This release was issued by Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North.
Gravenhurst Banner Monday, December 12, 2022