Bowden may soon see a new Habitat for Humanity home in the community.
At a recent meeting Feb. 24, officials with the non-profit Habitat for Humanity organization met with area residents and members of town council to discuss the possibility and needs in the town.
“It was very positive. We had a good turnout,” said Brian Brake, executive director for Habitat for Humanity Red Deer Region Society. “We had 16 people signed in for the meeting and that included the MLA (Don MacIntyre), the mayor and there were a couple of councillors as well”.
Several people who came out for the meeting inquired about what was involved in the application process and about four area residents were potential homeowners, noted Brake.
Burke said his presentation addressed a diverse audience and the possible need in the community.
“I wanted to make sure that everybody got something out of (the meeting). The MLA, the mayor and the councillors saw how the process worked as far as a municipality is concerned,” he added.
Brake said they also went through the application form with those in attendance and staff sat down with interested people there to begin the process of applying for a home.
“I think the biggest questions were associated with the requirements – how do they determine eligibility and whether people from outside the municipality would be eligible for a home in Bowden,” said Brake.
Brake said part of the purpose for the meeting was to find out if there was a specific need for housing in Bowden.
“If we decide to go ahead with this and there are more applicants than we do homes, then we have to rely totally on the application to determine the priority,” said Brake. “It's best that people take the time to fill out the application to be as realistic as possible so that we give everybody a fair chance.”
Following the meeting, Brake said he heard positive feedback from everyone in attendance including members of council.
“They thought it was a good presentation and well accepted,” said Brake. “I will contact (the mayor) and give him the specifics about applications once they are all received, and will leave it up to the mayor and council to decide if they want to go forward with this.”
Brian Brake
"I will contact (the mayor) and give him the specifics about applications once they are all received, and will leave it up to the mayor and council to decide if they want to go forward with this."
