Construction of the first of two new Habitat For Humanity Mountain View Chapter (HFHMVC) duplexes is on schedule ñ perhaps even a bit ahead of target, thanks to recent weather, a spokesman for the contractor says.
"We're actually a little bit ahead of schedule right now because we've been so blessed with the wonderful weather we've had for construction, with no rain and that," says Stevenson Homes president Lyle Stevenson.
Habitat for Humanity (HFH) builds homes for people who otherwise couldn't afford them. As part of the agreement, families who will live in them provide "sweat equity" by helping to build the homes and/or doing at least 500 hours of community service.
Mortgages are structured so that they will never exceed 30 per cent of each family's income.
So far, Habitat for Humanity Mountain View has built nine homes in the county. It's hoped construction of a second duplex on the lot can begin next year. This project has been in the works for about four years.
As of Aug. 30, the first duplex was about 30 per cent framed. Habitat for Humanity Mountain View chapter construction chair Kelly Craig says as of that date, exterior walls were up and "sheeted" and the crew was working on the interior.
Stevenson predicts by mid-September, the duplex will be in the "lock-up" stage, with the roof on and windows and doors installed so it can be locked up.
Construction of the duplex began just after the August long weekend. Previously, it was predicted it would be completed before Christmas.
"It's wonderful. It's been a great project and we're very pleased with the process; everything's been great," he says.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the project, located on what was formerly a town-owned lot at 4826 52nd St. in Olds, was held June 28.
So far, one family -- Brandy Hodgson and her children Tyson and Taya Pratt -- has been found to inhabit one half of one of the duplexes.
Amy Christiansen, the family services chair of HFHMVC, says they're still looking for a family for the second half of that first duplex. Then families will be recruited for both sides of the second duplex.
"We need to reach as many families as possible," she says, so HFHMVC will have a booth at the community showcase, which takes place Sept. 7 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Olds Sportsplex.
"Families can stop by and chat about the progress of the build and apply online right then and there," she says.
HFHMVC will also be hosting an information session on the project Sept. 26, in the Lion's Den at the Olds Municipal Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
"If you think you may qualify as a Habitat for Humanity partner family, please go to the Habitat Southern Alberta website and click ëapply' in the top right corner," Christiansen says. "It only takes a minute to apply."
Christiansen is very grateful to all the local firms and volunteers who have pitched in to help with the build.
Meanwhile, HFHMVC has a new secretary-treasurer, Kerri Stenson.
"Kerri is a local social worker and has lived in Olds for three years. She enjoys the community and people here and is wanting to give back through volunteer work," Christiansen says.
"Kerri has a passion for housing, especially providing safe, affordable homes for local families. We are so grateful that Kerri picked Habitat."
"We're actually a little bit ahead of schedule right now because we've been so blessed with the wonderful weather we've had for construction, with no rain and that."LYLE STEVENSONPRESIDENT STEVENSON HOMES
