CMHC Helps Build a Child's Bedroom at Habitat for Humanity's First "Women Build" in Peterborough

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 7, 2011) - A young boy will now have a room of his own in a new home being built by Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and District as part of the Women Build Project.

One of the two semi-detached bungalows currently under construction on Towerhill Road will be home to Natasha and her son Hayven. Long-time Habitat partner Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is sponsoring the bedroom for Hayven with funds raised through charitable events.

As construction continues on the Women Build Project, the CMHC build team, which included community stakeholders and CMHC staff, joined Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and District on site today to help build the homes. The houses are the first two of five homes that Habitat for Humanity is building in the Peterborough area this year.

"These homes are our first Women Build Project in Peterborough and District. We are pleased to be building with CMHC today as we empower and encourage the involvement of women in building Habitat for Humanity homes and in helping families become homeowners," said Sarah Tate, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & District.

Women Build Projects provide an environment in which women can feel comfortable learning skills they might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn. Female crews have already built more than 40 Habitat for Humanity homes in Canada, and more than 1,400 homes around the world.

The Women Build Project will follow Habitat for Humanity Peterborough's newly launched Green/Sustainable Building Program guidelines. The homes will be energy efficient, use sustainable building materials and practices (including reaching LEED Gold standards) and exceed current building code insulation standards.

"CMHC has a long partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Ontario and we support their vital role in community development through building affordable, safe, and sustainable homes. It's a very fulfilling experience for CMHC employees to be part of this build and to meet the local families who will now have a place to call home," said Peter Friedmann, General Manager, Ontario Region, CMHC.

Natasha and Hayven are looking forward to moving into their new home. They are currently living together in one bedroom at Natasha's mother's home. Hayven, who loves hockey, race cars and anything with wheels, is excited to have his own bedroom which may soon be painted royal blue, his favourite colour.

"Becoming a homeowner means I can now offer my son a stable home, and a neighbourhood we can be part of," said Natasha.

Families who purchase homes from Habitat for Humanity are selected based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the Habitat for Humanity program and their ability to repay the no-interest mortgage. Families also provide 500 hours of construction labour or, "sweat equity," which help develop their personal commitment to their home and their community.

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and District is a community-based, non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Its mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.

CMHC has been Canada's national housing agency for more than 65 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, environmentally sustainable, affordable housing solutions, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.