The REALTORS® Community Foundation Edmonton Area recently led a Blitz Build with Habitat for Humanity in St. Albert. The project was to build a duplex for two families who required affordable housing. REALTORS® from Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty demonstrated their enthusiasm for this community project, by contributing over 230 volunteer hours.
On the day of the launch for this project, there were 30 volunteer positions available, and Sutton REALTORS® accounted for 17 of them. Everyone got involved regardless of their skill level; some were distributing safety equipment, others were assembling interior walls and others worked on the scaffolding. James Mabey, Broker at Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty and co-ordinator for his office on this project, explains, “It was an enjoyable day for everyone who participated and got involved.”
The duplex was completed three weeks later and the keys to the home were handed over to two different families on July 11, 2009. James shares, “These families have gone through an application process and also have contributed a required 500 hours in labour, in order to be approved for their new home. The program allows families, who otherwise could not afford a down payment on a home, a chance to have one.”
“This was a fantastic opportunity for REALTORS® to work together for the community,” James says. He adds, “Affordable housing is an important issue for REALTORS; it is at the forefront of our minds when we are selling real estate.”
