Building Homes, building hope

The more I learn about Habitat for Humanity, the more I am amazed.  They build houses the old-fashioned way, everyone in the Village pitches in as needed.  Habitat for Humanity Mississauga has completed their first house but theyÕve only just begun.  They have a goal of building at least ten houses per year within the next five years Ð a goal they are confident is achievable with the support the community shown for their inaugural build!
 
Many companies and individuals donated time and material to the project.  The Region of Peel donated the land in Streetsville, Enersource donated $100,000, and Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided a $225,000 operating grant over three years to help establish HFH Mississauga.
 
The house at 4 Earl Street is a three bedroom bungalow.  Its 1,300 square feet is very spacious due to the design layout.  The open concept has the kitchen, laundry, and family room all merging into a large, usable space.  The back of the house holds the bedrooms.  The house is accessible by using ramps, wide hallways, open shower stall, and main floor laundry.  A geothermal ground source heating system installed will reduce the homeÕs energy bill to a fraction of conventional systems.
 
The selection process of the Partner Family is rigorous.  Habitat Partner Families walk a very fine line between qualifying for their Habitat home yet living within their means.  That means no credit card debt and an ability to make the payments on the interest-free mortgage held by HFH Mississauga.  For those families that do qualify, the homeownership opportunity means a more secure future without the worry of where their next rent payment will come from.  In speaking with Bilel, the father of the Partner Family, he speaks proudly of this house being a home for his grandchildren and of being able to share with them the story of how the house was built.
 
We were happy to be selected as the Hunter Douglas dealer for the window treatments.  Hunter Douglas supplied all the blinds.  We installed the blinds during the finishing stage of the project.  It was truly a joy to work alongside the volunteers, including Bilel, who were so friendly and worked as a great team.
 
Cairn Control Systems Inc. was honoured to take part in the HFH Mississauga Inaugural Build and looks forward to participating in many more.  I encourage my fellow members of the community to get involved where you can; I promise youÕll get more from the experience than you give.