Leap years only come around once every four years, and this February 29th held something extra special for one Hamilton area family.
HOAP partners, REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB), Threshold School of Building, City of Hamilton and Scotiabank, are proud to announce they have successfully completed renovations on an eighth HOAP home. The official key ceremony took place Friday, February 29, 2008, on Sherman Avenue North with the new residents.
“This is the day which the family and the HOAP partners and sponsors have been working toward since last fall. The group has invested much time and money, but what we have received in return – the pride and satisfaction of helping to provide a home for people who truly deserve it – is beyond measure,” said Ross Godsoe, CEO, RAHB. “On behalf of all members of HOAP, I wish the latest HOAP family many happy years in their home.”
The Home Ownership Affordability Partnership (HOAP) helps tenants get out of city-owned public housing and into home ownership. Its goal is to promote affordable homeownership, enhance the quality of existing housing stock, and build technology skills for youth at risk.
Families are selected based on need and ability to secure a zero percent mortgage. With help from volunteers, families select and purchase a run-down or neglected home, which is inexpensive because it is in need of repair.
The family contributes to the redesign and renovation plan. As homeowners, they are eligible for a Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program grant from CMHC and the house is used to train youth in building trades. Costs are kept low by donations of cash and building materials, while Scotiabank provides mortgaging assistance to the families.
Generous funding for the initiative has come from the following sponsors: City of Hamilton’s Housing Hamilton Innovations Fund, RAHB, Lowe’s Canada and the Ontario Real Estate Association’s REALTORS Care® Foundation. In addition, Lowe’s Canada provided a $2,400 Lowe’s gift card, Gary Herron, REALTOR®, donated his selling commission to HOAP and John Hall at Ross & McBride provided the legal service for this project. Further, a special thank you is extended to HMD Contractors, Gemini Ltd., and Aberdeen Brick & Stone, the renovators, for stepping up to the plate to get this project completed on time.
Pictured above: HOAP Key Ceremony – (back row, second from left) Gary Heron – Past President and REALTOR® and Ross Godsoe (back row, third from left) – RAHB CEO were on hand to present the HOAP recipients with the key to their new home.
