After 20 years and on its 14th build, Habitat for Humanity in Portage la Prairie has continued to provide homes for those who may otherwise have been unable to become homeowners. Their motto is it's a hand-up; not a hand-out.
Betty-Jean Checkley, steering committee secretary, explains the organization has had many exciting experiences over the years. She notes it has been a lot of hard work, but they are thankful to have a stable building manager.
"We hope that he will be able to stay on with us in the future because he's just been wonderful. As he said, Habitat always seems to find what Habitat needs."
Family Selection Committee co-coordinator Heather Schmidt explains there have been times when two houses were constructed, while their latest venture is a single-family dwelling.
Checkley adds that this makes the process easier to navigate.
"We have the lot, and we have some seed money. We can't keep going to our community all the time. They're very wonderful in their support, but there are a lot of other needs in our community, and we're so grateful for the tradespeople and the businesspeople that support us, and the regular Joes who come out and volunteer, and the churches. Habitat locally was started by the Ministerial Association. At that time, in 2004, there was a Mennonite church in Portage, and it was Karen Schellenberg who was instrumental in that. That was just a really wonderful foundation. They recognized the need through the churches, and churches were more active than they are now in these efforts."
She says change and diversity always play a factor as years go by.
Checkley explains that land is now purchased, whereas historically, the city had sold them two lots for $1.00 each.
"Now with what's going on in our community, and all its growth, they're not that easy to access anymore. So, we have to work toward buying that lot, and a good lot could be $50,000 now," adds Checkley.
Schmidt says this is where the mortgage payments come in.
"Our family partners provide money for us to build another home."
Checkley outlines changes in the provincial organization over the years.
"There's a lot of new people on the board, and this is an aside to our chapter. Yesterday, they had a key ceremony for 15 families in Winnipeg, and they are the first cluster of 55. They're building 11 units of five in Winnipeg, close to Regent. That's huge! It started out so humbly, it's just growing, and it's so joyful. It's a life-changing opportunity for people."
She says several applicants have been unsuccessful but encourages people to apply again.
"At the point when you applied, there might have been another family in greater need because of their housing situation or the number of children. But try again; we have a member who had to try twice, and it's made a huge difference in her life and her three sons'. So, don't give up. Family selection is a bit of an onerous process because there are so many needy people. We would love to give a house to everyone who applies. Unfortunately, that's not possible."
Habitat for Humanity is always in need of new volunteers.
"We are looking for new volunteers for the steering committee. We have a wonderful group, but it's always nice to bring in some new blood, new energy, different perspectives, and more diversity. I think that enriches the whole thing."
Schmidt explains that in the last three years or more, family selection has required Credit Aid consultation after a family has been chosen.
"Habitat Manitoba pays for them to go to Credit Aid. That is required even before we do our personal interviews now. The Family Selection Committee reviews all the applications to see if the applicant meets the criteria first. Then we prioritize, depending on need."
She says they choose two to three families who go to Credit Aid, noting it's an extremely valuable experience for many of the applicants.
"Credit and getting over your head in debt has been one of the biggest things preventing families from receiving homes because they just can't meet their fiscal requirements. Credit Aid gives them really good pointers on how to get out of the debt they're in and how to change habits. A lot of young people should use that as well."
Over the years, Checkley outlines the many people who have been greatly appreciated for their efforts.
"On this committee, there were foundational members. Ed Connery was hugely instrumental. Dave Samolesky is the one who invited me to come on board, and that was quite a while ago. Bill Watson was another one. There was Wally Kimpton. John Duffield was never officially on the committee, but he was just such a blessing because he always showed up, and John had every piece of equipment we could need. It was unbelievable. He was a little Energizer Bunny, too. In the last builds, he was just down the street from where we were. So, it was really wonderful. Bill Knott was another one, and Doug Halmerson. I just wanted to pay a little tribute to them because they're part of our history, and we want to preserve our history and respect."