More than 40 affordable homes are planned for downtown Whitby after Habitat for Humanity GTA broke ground on a stacked-townhome development at Hickory Street South and Dunlop Street East, according to a Town of Whitby news release.
The project will be Habitat GTA’s first affordable housing community in Whitby. It will include one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for families, couples and individuals, with mortgage payments geared to income through the organization’s homeownership program.
The town donated land for the development, which also has federal support through the Housing Accelerator Fund. At the groundbreaking, the town announced another $25,000 for the project through the Mayor’s Community Development Fund.
Habitat GTA representatives joined the town, the federal government, donors and volunteers for the ceremony. The development will occupy two currently empty lots.
Ene Underwood, Habitat GTA’s chief executive officer, said in the town’s release that the organization expects to engage donors, volunteers and community partners over the next two to three years to develop the site.
Fundraising and volunteer effort
Habitat GTA is working toward a $7-million fundraising goal to complete construction. The organization says philanthropic contributions remain important to delivering the homes, alongside the land donation and government support.
The Whitby Housing Action Committee, a volunteer-led group of local community leaders, is helping promote the project, recruit volunteers and raise money. Its work is intended to bring more residents and community partners into the effort.
Lorraine Huinink, the committee’s chair of corporate engagement and sponsorship, said in the release that residents can support the development by contributing money, involving their networks or volunteering their time.
Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull described the project as a partnership aimed at widening access to affordable homeownership. Mayor Elizabeth Roy also highlighted the involvement of governments, community organizations, donors and volunteers in advancing the development.
Homeownership tied to income
Habitat GTA works with families who have steady employment income but cannot buy a home because of housing prices, down-payment requirements and mortgage costs. Under its affordable homeownership model, buyers purchase their homes with mortgage payments linked to their income.
The downtown site is near schools, parks, shops and transportation, according to the town. The municipality says the development also supports its Community Strategic Plan’s objectives of expanding affordable housing and building inclusive neighbourhoods.
Information about receiving notice when applications open, donating, volunteering or joining the Whitby Housing Action Committee is available through habitatgta.ca/whitby.
