Chamberlain Timber Mart and Home Building Centre Gravenhurst Team Up to Pledge $70,000 Towards Habitat for Humanity Homes in 2023
Gravenhurst, ON – What stands today as a vacant lot on Muskoka Beach Road is one step closer to becoming home to two Gravenhurst area families, thanks to a $70,000 donation pledge from Chamberlain Timber Mart and Home Building Centre Gravenhurst. This pledge, together with the first community donation from the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst earlier this year, a recent donation from Residents Against Muskoka Poverty (RAMP), and a funding commitment from the District Municipality of Muskoka, officially launches ‘Building Futures in Gravenhurst’, OGN’s next build project, scheduled to deliver two semi-detached, 869-square-foot, universally accessible homes on Muskoka Beach Road in 2023.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Chamberlain Timber Mart and Gravenhurst Home Building Centre. Community involvement is critical to every Habitat home built.,” says OGN’s CEO, Kimberley Woodcock.
Site preparation is scheduled for April 2023, and ground-breaking is planned for June.
“We have served contractor trades in the Gravenhurst area for decades,” declares Rob Glecoff, owner of Home Building Centre in Gravenhurst. “We know the importance of a safe and affordable home and how badly affordable housing is needed in our town. We’re fully committed to supporting this project, and we’re looking forward to being involved. For us, this is about community.”
Doug Chamberlain, who co-owns Chamberlain Timber Mart with his brother Rick, echoes Glecoff. “We have supported the local community in many ways for over 71 years. Given our alignment with the work and values of Habitat for Humanity, we are proud to be one of the first local businesses supporting families in need of a safe and affordable home.”
Barb McCabe, President of the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst adds “The Rotary Club of Gravenhurst recognizes the need for affordable housing in Gravenhurst and is pleased to support this project.”
Barb Bridgman, Chairperson of RAMP, agrees. “RAMP is so proud to support this exciting, new Habitat for Humanity build in Gravenhurst.” Gravenhurst mayor, Heidi Lorenz, joins the declarations of support. “We are pleased that Habitat has chosen Gravenhurst as the site for their next project. Our community continues to show incredible support for Habitat’s projects and this one is no different. These builds are amazing examples of how our businesses and community organizations come together to support key initiatives.
With the critical need for housing, the timing for this is perfect, and we look forward to more joint projects in Gravenhurst.” Says Bonnie Dart, Chairperson of Gravenhurst Against Poverty (G.A.P.), “This is truly a wonderful opportunity for eligible families to be a part of building their own home. The families are empowered through financial education workshops and can pay off their mortgages with monthly payments that are adjusted to what they can reasonably manage. G.A.P. congratulates Habitat for making the dream of affordable home ownership come true for two eligible Gravenhurst families.”
Information regarding the eligibility criteria for the Habitat homes can be found on the Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North website. Businesses and individuals interested in contributing to Building Futures in Gravenhurst should contact donate@habitatgatewaynorth.com.
About Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North
Amalgamated in 2014, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is a not-for-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe, suitable, and affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable housing. With the help of government organizations, charitable foundations, local businesses, individual community members, volunteers, and other Habitat partners we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in our service area, in Canada, and around the world. Our region serves communities across central and northern Ontario, including North Simcoe County, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Nipissing, Greater Sudbury and Cochrane. Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, which was established in 1985. To date, across Canada, Habitat for Humanity has helped thousands of families in need of a hand-up. Across the globe, Habitat for Humanity has grown to become a leading global not-for-profit working in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.habitatgatewaynorth.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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For more information:
Jane Clark
Director, Communications and Culture
Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North
(705) 646-0106 x 205
jclark@habitatgatwaynorth.com