July 16, 2012 United Way of PEI major sponsor of Habitat for Humanity home
Tracey Gaudet and her five children Ashley (19), Emily (15), Colby (11), Madeleine (7), Isaac (4) are thrilled with their new home in Long Creek.
Kris O’Brien, president of the United Way of Prince Edward Island, is pleased the organization is providing financial support to the Habitat for Humanity home recently dedicated to Tracey Gaudet and her five children.
“All the money donated to the United Way of Prince Edward Island stays on the Island to help Islanders in need,” says Kris. “We are absolutely thrilled that our funding of $25,000 per year for three years is helping Tracey Gaudet and her five children to acquire a new home at an affordable price.”
Tracey’s is the 36th home built by Habitat for Humanity PEI since its formation in 1996. Habitat is founded on a belief in people helping people to have decent, affordable housing. Family selection is according to housing and income need, but there’s no mere give-away: a partner family must contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” and pay a mortgage based on actual market value of the home. The advantage, though, is that the mortgage is interest-free and payments are capped at 25% of gross income. Construction costs are kept down chiefly by volunteer labour (except for specialized trades) and capital comes from fund-raising, funding partners such as the United Way of Prince Edward Island, the earnings of the ReStore and the mortgage payments being made by earlier Habitat home-owners.
“This new home is a perfect example of how the United Way of PEI fulfills its mission as a community builder,” says Kris. “What a wonderful way to celebrate United Way of PEI’s 50th anniversary.”
The United Way of Prince Edward Island currently funds 19 programs that address priority needs of Island children, youth, families, seniors and persons with disabilities. For more details, please visit: www.peiunitedway.com and click on Who We Support.
