Habitat for Humanity and Kettle and Stony Point First Nation partner to build new homes in the community

July 17, 2020
The groundbreaking was held recently for four homes being built in Kettle and Stony Point First Nation by the Sarnia-Lambton Habitat for Humanity group. From left: Habitat CEO David Waters; Habitat Construction Manager Darryl Blum; Board President Donald Haagsma; Kettle and Stony Point Housing Manager Alison Price; Chief Jason Henry, and First Nation member Carole Pelletier. -Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton

By Colin Graf

CHIPPEWAS OF KETTLE & STONY POINT FIRST NATION— Four new homes will be built in the community of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point (KSP) First Nation in a new partnership with the Habitat for Humanity organization for Sarnia and Lambton County.

“Applications for families interested in owning one of them are open until mid-July,” said KSP Chief Jason Henry in a community update on June 30.

Occupancy of the two 3-bedroom and two 4-bedroom homes will be “a rent-to-own scenario,” Chief Henry said, with the families owning the home and land after 15 years.

The community approached the Habitat group about building the homes, said Habitat CEO David Waters.

“Our method of building is less expensive than a traditional build,” said Waters, because Habitat relies on volunteers in home-building and renovating projects for families who may not be able to secure a traditional mortgage, adding that this idea seemed to be a good fit.

The homes should be ready for occupancy by families chosen in a selection process by mid-2021.

“Each family will be expected to put in 250 hours working on building their home,” Chief Henry said. “And will be responsible for maintenance, upkeep, and any renovations or additions.”

The First Nation has asked Habitat to select the families to “assure there is a fair and unbiased selection process,” according to the Chief.

The eligibility criteria are currently under development by both parties, said Waters.

“Habitat had already received four or five online applications within the first week they were being accepted,” Waters said.

He hopes the families will be chosen by the end of August.

According to Chief Henry, another great thing for the community is that Habitat for Humanity is providing funding for a volunteer coordinator to arrange work schedules for the families which will be helpful in order to navigate through the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic protocols.

“We can’t have everyone showing up all at once,” he explained in a video update. “Particularly in these times of COVID-19.”

Applications for the coordinator post will open in July, he added.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the homes’ construction, Waters spoke of the importance of the project.

“When we work together towards a common goal of homeownership for those deserving a safe and affordable place to live, it is a winning partnership that can continue for years to come.”

Waters credits KSP Housing manager Alison Price and First Nation manager Clint Couchie for helping to create “a good relationship without a doubt.”

The project is being sponsored by RBC, the Rotary Club of Grand Bend, and the student-led Enactus service club from Lambton College.