Habitat for Humanity had a successful year putting people in homes and working towards future builds and renovations.
Just a few months into her job as executive director with Red Deer Habitat for Humanity Paula Madu said the outlook for next year is positive.
“It’s been amazing, it is an amazing agency,” said Madu. “I’m thrilled to be part of this organization.”
Looking back on the year Madu said it has been positive.
While getting people into homes is the main goal of Habitat, Madu said the ReStore is an asset to the non-profit’s goals.
The ReStore refurbishes old furniture and appliances for resale and also sells building supplies, with the proceeds from the sales going towards fundraising for Habitat.
“We completed a build in Three Hills in the summer, that was a big project,” said Madu. “It was the 100th anniversary project for Three Hills centennial and it was a 100-hour build.”
Right now the organization is working on a renovation of a house that was purchased back from home owners.
“They wanted to resell the house, so we purchased it back and with the generous support of the Canadian Home Owners Association - Central Alberta, are renovating that house,” said Madu.
“We should probably have a family in there by, we’re hoping around the end of January in Red Deer.” When the ground thaws the local Habitat has a goal of building a triplex at 3818, 3820 and 3822 44th St.
“That’s our big project for the spring,” said Madu. “Some of the preliminary things have been done already.
“We’re waiting for permits from the city, we have formal plans for the building and we have a construction committee we’re building on.”
There are already families waiting for the construction of the triplex and there is even a waiting list for future information sessions for a future build.
Madu said she is hoping to have an open house in January at the Habitat for Humanity office for people who are interested in volunteering, sponsoring or any kind of connection.
“We’re always pleased to have people drop by and fill out a volunteer application,” said Madu. “We have tons of opportunities as far as the construction site, but we have a lot of volunteers in the ReStore as well. We always welcome new volunteers and look forward to that.”
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com