THUNDER BAY -- Habitat for Humanity is taking a unique approach to its next build.
Habitat for Humanity identifies a deserving family before each build. Statistics from the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board third quarter report show that people who identify as single and in need of housing is a growing demographic in this city.
That fact propelled Habitat for Humanity to shift its focus to the singles demographic for its 2017 build.
“It just happened to be that we found this single person who needs housing,” said Amber Prairie, interim CEO of Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay.
“He fits with our criteria so we are going to be building a small home just for him.”
Prairie said she hopes more local singles who want and can own a home, and fit Habitat’s criteria, step forward and apply.
“It’s important to know that families can be a family of one,” she said.
“He’s a person in need, he lives on his own, but that doesn't mean that he’s not a family and doesn’t need housing just as much as anyone else."
The announcement of the 2017 build comes just as Habitat wraps up its 2016 build.
“We’ve just finished handing over the keys to the Hrycyshyn family, and we’re just finishing up completion of their handicap accessible home for their 14-year-old boy who has cerebral palsy, and their other children,” Prairie said.
“We’re really excited for them to start their new adventure as homeowners.”
The Hrycyshyn family will officially move into their new home in January.
The Finlayson Street build for the Hrycyshyn family began early in 2015 and started with a generous $50,000 donation.
That donation came with a condition -- Habitat for Humanity would have to come up with a matching $50,000 donation.
Habitat for Humanity completed that challenge by the time summer came around.
They began the build shortly after that.
