Habitat for Humanity Presentation

We were pleased to have Alfred Nikolai, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity – Edmonton, speak to us on March 13th at our Council Social.   When Mr Nikolai became President in 2005,  Habitat for Humanity – Edmonton built 4 homes for lower income families.   There are currently over 80 homes under construction with plans to serve over 100 families in 2013.  Habitat for Humanity – Edmonton is now the largest Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Canada.

Mr. Nikolai explained how lower income families apply for a home and if approved, the family contributes 500 hours of their own time.   Monthly mortgage payments are based on 25% of their income.

At our request Mr. Nikolai advised us how our council could participate in a “build”.  We would undertake to provide say 25 – eights hour shifts = 400 hours.    Once a date is selected , we will invite members of our council to block off the date on their calendar and agree to participate in the build.   While Mr. Nickolai indicated Saturdays are all booked for the next year, the writer spent considerable time reorganizing Habitat’s financing needs and as a result we have received confirmation for a Father Bonner Team build on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013.  Habitat’s professionals will assign the tasks.  While we have men with experience in a number of trades most of us know how to handle a hammer, paint or move a broom.   It is worthy to note that Habitat has a 64 unit condo project in Rutherford close to our parish.

Father Bonner Columbus Club has allocated a sum of $5,000 as our donation to the project.  The month prior to our actual participation we may invite Brother Knights to make personal donations if they wish to increase our overall donation.   We are advised that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to the cost of the home as Habitat’s overhead (i.e. staff salary costs etc.), are covered by the profits generated from the operation of their two Re-Stores in Edmonton.

The students at St. Joseph’s College Council #10060 (which council we sponsored at the time of its institution), have participated in builds in each of the past three years.  A number of other council in greater Edmonton have participated in builds including St. Peter’s council in Millwoods.

Although a number of our long standing members have expressed interest in their participation and we will welcome their presence, we are anxious to see a number of our newer members participate.

Mr. Nikolai indicated that Habitat for Humanity worldwide hands over a home to a family every 28 minutes.  He also advised us that in 2012 Habitat for Humanity – Edmonton benefited from 14,000 shifts, that is 14,000 times eight hours, with an excellent safety record.   This is God’s work.

Father Bonner Council can do our part.  If you are interested in participating in a build on Sept. 21, 2013 (mark your calendar)please call me or send me an e-mail and I will add your name to our tentative list of volunteers.

Fraternally

Wally N. Streit – PSD – Council Director

780-988-8719; 780-437-4335(voice mail); streitw@gmail.com