As odd as it seems, the demolition of a home here is laying a foundation of hope in the community.
The building on Isabella Street was taken down last weekend to make way for a local Habitat for Humanity project.
Hans Theurer, who is involved with the local project, wrote Habitat for Humanity started in the 1970s in the southern United States by a wealthy businessman, who thought he would build simple, decent housing for people who could not afford to buy a house. It gained a higher profile in the 1980s when former American president Jimmy Carter and his wife joined Habitat and more houses were built.
Habitat is a faith based organization using Christian principles of prayer an d devotions at every meeting and build.
Habitat for Humanity Wellington County started around 2000. The first home was built in Rockwood: two semi-detached homes. Later locations included Guelph, Fergus, Elora, and Mount Forest.
There is a selection process for the owners of the new house. New owners will have to put in 500 hours of sweat equity with the help of family and friends. When they receive the home they will have to pay off an interest free mortgage with monthly payments.
Wellington North’s Habitat for Humanity Wellington County’s coordinator is Debra Kalb, of Mount Forest, who teaches at Arthur Public School. After the Mount Forest home, the group decided it was time to build in Arthur.
Following two public meetings, people were invited to form a steering committee which includes, Kalb, Theurer, Chris McIntosh, Lionel Smith, Twyla Hunter, Jane Paul, Lori Blair, Megan and Tasha Scott, Barb Rush and Marilyn Theurer. The house at 211 Isabella Street was purchased to provide a lot, and the old home demolished with the help of about 30 volunteers.
The team was mostly men, with a few women assisting.
Six women kept the coffee, donated goodies, chili, and bread flowing. Before the demolition, the ReStore in Guelph removed windows, doors, appliances and anything else that can be recycled and sold.
Now that the old house is down, the steering committee is looking to get started in the spring, with the construction to take place in July and August.
Habitat will be looking for volunteers with and without building experience to help. High school students needing volunteer hours can help. Everyone on the site is required to wear work boots with steel toes and shank, as well as a hard hat.
Currently, the steering committee is fundraising to build the house with a Holiday House Tour in Arthur and area on Nov. 29, from 2 to 5pm.
Tickets are available at Walsh’s IDA, the Country Store, Village Variety in Arthur, and Shoppers Drug Mart in Mount Forest – or from any steering committee member.
More fundraisers are planned, including Buy a Square Foot, a barn dance, and an indoor yard sale.
Anyone wanting to donate money, time, or materials can reach members at the following email addresses: Debra Kalb, at debrakalb@sympatico.ca; Hans Theurer, at theurer@sympatico.ca, or Chris McIntosh at chmcintosh@hotmail.com.
