Saugeen First Nation and Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce have signed a memorandum of understanding forming a partnership that will involve Habitat building energy-efficient and affordable houses for band member families on Saugeen’s territory in 2021.
In the agreement, Habitat will organize the construction of 4, 3 bedroom houses using community volunteers and local contractors. The families who will live in the new homes will be selected by the band and will be required to complete 500 hours “sweat equity” building their homes. Habitat will also provide homeowner education sessions for the families including budgeting, estate planning and home maintenance.
Construction is expected to begin next summer and will take up to 5 months to complete. A ground breaking ceremony will be held prior to construction to mark the start of the Build.
Stats Canada reports the % of households in core housing need:
Bruce County 9.3%
Grey County 11.4%
Ontario 15.3%
Indigenous 18.0%
Saugeen First Nation has a population of approximately 1,750 members and nearly half live on reserve. Homeownership and housing in general are important to this community.
Since 2017, Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce has built 13 single dwelling homes in Neyaashiinigmiing for Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation families including the first Habitat-built house on First Nations territory in Ontario.
Saugeen First Nation will be using a rent-to-own model with the families selected for the Habitat built homes and families will be required to complete 500 volunteer hours building their homes. After the families move in they will make monthly payments to the Band and have the opportunity to own their house in 20 years.
