Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) and Habitat for Humanity...

Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) and Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see up to eight affordable family homes built within the TFN community. The agreement follows discussions held over the past few months, including a community meeting in June, where nation members were briefed on the Habitat for Humanity family-partner model. “As a growing community with a range of housing needs, Tsawwassen First Nation is excited about our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity,” said Chief Kim Baird.    

“We felt the Habitat for Humanity model would be a great one for our community as it would provide TFN members with the opportunity to volunteer and learn valuable skills on a home-construction site,” said Doug Raines, chief administrative officer of TFN. Across Canada, other Habitat for Humanity affiliates have achieved success in working with First Nations, said Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver CEO Tim Wake. Habitat works with partner families on affordable home ownership solutions. The families provide no down-payment, get no-interest mortgages, and payments amount to no more than 30 per cent of a family’s gross income. There is ‘sweat equity’ involved, however, and 500 hours of volunteer time are required. TFN partner families will be selected by the end of 2012, and construction will being in spring 2013.