'OUR GOAL IS MAJOR CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED BY END OF 2023'

When it comes to the affordable housing crisis in Northumberland, it can feel like an insurmountable issue.

While the crisis — which has well-documented social and economic costs for people and communities — has been building for several years, in recent years, it has reached new heights locally.

The result? Soaring evictions, grotesque bidding wars, a growing number of seniors, longtime residents and families, and younger individuals leaving the area, and more people turning to the streets, tents or other temporary shelter or precarious living situations.

Experts and advocates agree there isn't a singular solution. However, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland does have an answer in the works to help seven families (or 20 or so people) — who, in turn, through their mortgage payments, will also help fund more affordable housing for additional area families.

To get there, though, Habitat needs help with a $400,000 capital campaign: Building Hope for Families. The multiplier effect attached to this campaign — which is in support of Habitat's most ambitious build yet — is anticipated to be considerable.

"I think there are so many people out there who feel helpless when it comes to the affordable housing crisis that we're experiencing in Northumberland," said local realtor Jacqueline Pennington, who alongside her husband Greg Campbell, are leading the charge as chairs of Habitat's capital campaign to raise the monies needed to kick-start a seven-unit townhouse build in Baltimore. "And I think this is a really good way to feel you're able to kind of sink your teeth into something and make a considerable difference for a family in need in the community.

"I think we all feel that way: 'If I could only do more.' Well, here's our opportunity to step up to the plate, and really make a difference."

Pennington and Campbell are working alongside a campaign cabinet which includes Habitat employees, board members and area residents, to raise the $400,000 needed to kickstart construction. Of that $400,000, $150,000 is already secured.

Through their work in real estate, Pennington noted the co-chairs have had an up-close look at the financial hardships associated with housing affordability, especially as sale prices soared in recent years.

"It's very well documented that in Northumberland we have one of the lowest vacancy rates in Ontario, so the cost of our rental housing is just so unbelievably high and beyond what any family can really afford."

"I feel very strongly ... it's extremely important for children to have a roof over their head and to feel safe and feel that comfort of a steady home."

With more families — including those with young kids — struggling in the rental market and facing evictions during the peak of the market while landlords sell, this project offers a glimmer of light, at least for some, amid a seemingly relentless and excruciating crisis.

This is why Campbell, "on the spot," said "yes" when Habitat approached the couple for help with its "net-zero," $2.5-million development at 4751 Hwy. 45. Campbell sees this project as a "catalyst for growth."

The $400,000 is needed to help jump-start construction of the seven-unit townhouse development — encompassing four, two-bedroom and three, three-bedroom units — and to break ground this spring.

"Our goal is major construction completed by end of 2023, and then families housed sometime in early 2024 — and like, early, first three to four months would be the goal," said Meaghan Macdonald, Habitat's executive director.

Back on National Housing Day in 2022, Habitat announced its plans for its largest, single-development project ever. The land was purchased in spring; work has continued on development plans and the like since.

But it's not just scale, or cost that makes this the organization's most ambitious

undertaking to date — the project also marks a first locally for Habitat with its "net-zero" design. Upon completion, it will also be the largest Habitat net-zero development in Canada.

Simply put, "net-zero" means the homes produce as much energy as they consume. In this instance, Habitat will be using solar power to generate the energy needed for the homes.

Net-zero homes "are up to 80 per cent more efficient" than a home built to "conventional standards."

Expenses like rising energy costs — alongside overall increasing living costs — are adding to struggles for many.

"I'm going into seniors' homes or people's homes, and they're selling their homes because they can't afford the running cost," explained Pennington, adding this is happening more recently.

Often, she'll hear: "'I have a home that I own, but I can't afford my natural gas (and/or) my hydro costs and all those expenses.'"

With this build's solar/ environmental components, the hope is families' entire incomes won't go to just keeping a roof over their heads, said Pennington, stressing by not living hand to mouth, this will also translate to long-term

benefits.

Recognizing growing local need, this project was born out of Habitat's want to "have a greater impact." (Providing detached or semi-detached single-family homes has also been described as "becoming increasingly difficult" amid market-related pressures in recent years.)

With this, though, comes a "larger than normal budget." This is why, for the first time, Habitat launched a capital campaign.

Habitat projects are traditionally fairly "diverse" in their funding. Monies funnel in through general fundraising and donations, Habitat's revolving fund for humanity — which is made up of current partner families' mortgage payments — government funding, gift/ services in-kind, land donations, sponsorships, et cetera.

These traditional sources will fund most of the $2.5 million needed — and a federal investment is also anticipated, explained Macdonald.

This will be Habitat's first build in Baltimore.

When you think about overall impact — the "longlasting impact on people's lives" — of getting seven families housed with $400,000, that's pretty substantial; and for those who can contribute financially, it's a pretty good return, said Pennington.

For those who can't donate, but would like to help, there will volunteer opportunities, including during building. These volunteer hours toward building the actual homes also keep costs down.

"Habitat is a great organization because it meets people where they are," said Campbell. "So if there's an opportunity to meet someone at that donor level ... we're geared up to have those conversations; if it's working on the job site, even if it's donating material to the Restore ... there's a whole suite of ways and options (how) people can get involved and help support this, and ultimately, this is all about getting seven families into affordable housing, and giving them a hand up."

For Northumberland residents interested in becoming a Habitat partner family/homeowner, the organization is currently accepting applications via www.habitatnorthumberland.ca.

Project updates will be shared via www.buildinghopeforfamilies.ca.

In addition to this project, Habitat also currently has a "property/project pipeline" that could lead to the creation of 11 additional affordable units locally.

To help/contact the cochairs: Email pennington.remax@gmail.com or campingtonandco@gmail.com. For more info on volunteering, contact Melissa Morrison with Habitat at mmorrison@habitatnorthumberland.ca or 289-252-0999 ext. 29.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: After Habitat reached out about its $400,000 capital campaign in support of its largest build yet, we caught up with staff and campaign co-chairs to delve into the project.