Habitat for Humanity: Elliott House Restoration (9/16/2007)

As some of you know, I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Brampton. The Habitat for Humanity movement was founded in 1976 in Americus, Georgia. The program developed from the concept of "partnership housing" where those in need of adequate shelter work side by side with volunteers from all walks of life to build simple, decent houses for needy families. The families help in building their houses through a process known as 'sweat equity' - each adult family member contributes 500 hours of time to their build. Most families are so thrilled with the process and the result, they end up coming back on future builds. Habitat's upbeat motto is 'Building Homes, Building Hope'.

This summer the Brampton affiliate has been moving and restoring the Elliott House, a 150-yr old brick house with Heritage designation - this is a first for Habitat in North America! The move was successfully completed (not too many lost bricks) on July 23. Since then, we have been working like beavers to get the house levelled and the foundation finished so that the inside work can start. Pictures of the move can be viewed here.

If you have ever considered volunteering with Habitat, or would like to experience working on a construction site with a bunch of other non-specialist volunteers, now's your opportunity.

A typical day is from 9-12:30, an hour break for lunch, then 1:30-5:00. I've no idea what you'll be working on but you can bet, it will likely involve tools, mess and a lot of fun. Hardhats, coffee, tea and cold water will be supplied.

1. Take 401 or 407 westbound to Airport Rd.
2. Head N on Airport.
3. Cross Bovaird/Castlemore, turn left on Sandalwood.
4. Turn right on Torbram.
5. Drive up Torbram until just before Countryside, on the left side of the road, you'll see the Heritage House and the Habitat trailer.
6. Google Map