Sault Habitat for Humanity accepting applications for its biggest build

Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie and Area is continuing to accept expressions of interest for its biggest build yet – a five-plex located on Goulais Avenue.

"There's five units in a row, in a townhouse complex. The unit sizes range from two-bedrooms to five-bedrooms and the basements are proposed developments,” said Katie Blunt, Habitat's local executive director, in an interview with CTV News last year when the project was first announced.

“(The basements) would only be finished if the family requires that extra space."

Habitat will break ground the build this spring, with the land donated by Soo Mill Buildall.

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Habitat works with families who pay an affordable, geared-to-income mortgage. To serve a larger demographic, Habitat has also increased the maximum income thresholds for the Goulais Avenue project.

“(Getting a house from Habitat) will give us space to think about other things, like developing and progressing ourselves,” said one homeowners, in a news release.

“To everyone (wanting a home and having) a lot of difficulties and challenges, Habitat for Humanity is the best thing to do.”

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a need for safe, decent, and affordable housing. Applicants should also have a stable income with a history of good credit but need assistance qualifying for a conventional mortgage. To be considered for the Goulais Avenue build the maximum household income amount for single applicants is $89,000 and for dual applicants, the maximum amount is $109,000.

Applicants must also be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity by contributing 500 volunteer hours per household, including homeowner education courses.

Rendering of the five-plex on Goulais Avenue to be build by Habitat for Humanity. (Supplied/Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie) To access the Expression of Interest form for the Goulais Avenue complex or to obtain more information on the Affordable Homeownership Program, visit Sault Habitat’s website.

Officials with the project said there is no deadline for the application and applications will remain online until families are selected for all five homes.

– With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Mike McDonald