Habitat for Humanity executive director makes deputation to Quinte West council at its meeting on January 18, 2016. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Habitat for Humanity wants to clear the air of any misconceptions about the non-profit organization that could have existed before they requested Quinte West donate a parcel of land.
At a meeting in December 2015, Habitat asked council donate the land of the former Trenton Boxing Club, at 79 Leopold Street with the intent of demolishing the existing building and constructing three houses for three local families. Council ultimately decided to defer the matter until a February meeting awaiting a staff report outlining what land the city owns and what properties might become vacant with the opening of the Consolidated Public Works Facility and the building of a new fire station in Trenton.
At Monday night’s council meeting executive director Bob Clute told Quinte News that he had heard there were concerns raised by council at the previous meeting and Habitat staff were concerned that they may not get support from council.
“So I decided to talk to some councillors and administrators and put forth a presentation so that we cleared up any misconceptions that existed there. Without the full package in front of them they couldn’t make a decision,” said Clute.
During his presentation, Clute explained that they have appraised the property at $100,000 provided the building is cleared, which could cost $75,000 for demolition and $25,000 in environmental assessments.
He told council how they could stand to make between $10,000 to $12,000 in annual tax revenue from the new builds plus they plan to inject $325,000 back into the economy through local contractors and product suppliers.
“Everybody wins,” Clute said. “Families have a change in their life when they go from paying more than 30 per cent of their income on housing to a maximum of 25 per cent. They can spend money on food, good food. Their children are healthier, they build networks. They do better at school. I don’t know how you put a value you on that, but it is huge.”
Mayor Jim Harrison noted he was pleased with the work Habitat does pointing to a Trenton family that he recently watched get their keys and move into their new home.
“Their reaction was absolutely fabulous,” he said. “You are breaking the circle of poverty for families in our community.”
In an interview with Quinte News following the meeting Clute said with the help of 300 volunteers they are going to work to take three families off of social assistance.
“There are a lot of people in this area that need help and we only have the capacity to help so many at a time,” said Clute. “Fortunately we have been working hard and we can build more homes than we ever have in the history of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hasting and that is gratifying.”
