Habitat for Humanity Brampton
helps save historic building;
finds housing for two area families

Brampton, ON April 12, 2007 - A unique partnership arrangement with real estate firm Metrus Development Inc. will enable Habitat for Humanity Brampton to preserve the city's history while it provides permanent housing for local families.

"The two organizations have worked out a way to prevent demolition of an important local structure—and offer two families a chance for home ownership, which is the primary focus of Habitat for Humanity Brampton," said the organization's Executive Director Thomas Fischer.

When Metrus Development Inc. of Vaughan, Ont. purchased a commercial lot earlier this year on Brampton's Torbram Road, Elliott House, built in 1865, came with the property. The company determined it could not include the house in its commercial development plan, which meant that Elliott House faced demolition.

Wishing to preserve the structure, Metrus Development approached Habitat for Humanity Brampton and offered Elliott House as a donation. The plan would involve moving the house to a nearby vacant lot, also donated by Metrus Development, and thoroughly renovating the structure. The partners received enthusiastic support from the City of Brampton for the move.

"This three-way partnership among Habitat, Metrus and the City of Brampton has enabled us to offer affordable-ownership housing to local families," said Fischer.

With help from Danco House Raising and Moving Company, Elliott House will be relocated in mid-May. Teams of volunteers, sponsors and donors will roll up their sleeves and work collaboratively in Habitat for Humanity's signature style to perform a three-month renovation. Professional volunteer crew leaders will instruct novice volunteers in construction techniques such as framing, insulation, drywall and exterior work.

When the renovation is complete, the house will be divided to accommodate two families.

"Renovating a heritage home with the added challenge of preserving and respecting the historical character of Elliott House will be a unique and exciting experience," said Fischer. "Fulfilling the home-ownership dreams of two families is its own immeasurable reward."

Demolition of one small wing of Elliott House will begin Saturday, April 14 at the Torbram Road site to help prepare the structure for its mid-May moving date. In keeping with the organization's faith-based protocols, Habitat for Humanity will conduct a blessing before the demolition.

Habitat for Humanity Brampton is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a faith-based, not-for profit organization that mobilizes volunteers and corporate sponsors to renovate and build affordable-ownership housing. The organization sells the housing to low-income families at no profit and offers zero-percent financing on the mortgages. Habitat for Humanity International has built more than 225,000 houses worldwide, sheltering more than one million people.

Anyone interested in volunteering for this project is asked to attend an orientation session or contact Volunteer Coordinator Tony Papasidero, at (905) 455-0883 ext. 223. The next orientation session takes place April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 268 Rutherford Road South, Unit 3, Brampton.