The organization behind an affordable housing project on Burke Mountain is opening up applications for potential residents.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver confirms to the Tri-City News low-income families can now begin the screening process for its 42-unit Coquitlam complex at 1358 Coast Meridian Rd. — located east of Millard Orchard Park.
A series of questions are listed on the application form to ensure current households earning between $30,000 and $78,000 per year receive a fair shot at becoming, what the non-profit calls, "partner families."
Habitat for Humanity spokesperson Lynne Stanger said eligible Tri-Cities families are encouraged to apply as the project aims to provide the feeling of homeownership and self-reliance.
If not, then a qualifying family must have lived in Metro Vancouver for at least three years.
While families go through the process of potentially living at the Burke Mountain site, construction crews are eyeing a first-phase completion date some time in fall 2024.
Shovels are expected to hit the ground in the spring following a record-breaking $5-million donation by the Al Roadburg Foundation to fast-track the approval process with the City of Coquitlam.
That was the single largest donation to any project spearheaded by Habitat for Humanity in Canada.
Greater Vancouver chapter CEO Scott Fehrenbacher explained the money will cover roughly one-third of the Coquitlam site's construction budget.
"British Columbia’s housing market is constrained by overwhelming demand and inadequate supply of affordable housing. As provincial population levels continue to grow, we must move faster to create safe, attainable housing options for families in need," he said, noting Habitat for Humanity receives "limited funding" from the province and BC Housing for its projects.
"The donation from the Al Roadburg Foundation will assist us in adding to the region's affordable housing supply and give hundreds of families the security they need as they raise their children. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Foundation for this gift."
For more information and to find an application for the Burke Mountain complex, you can visit Habitat for Humanity's website.
