LONDON, ONTARIO--- Two London families are new homeowners today with the completion of a semi-detached home at 438 Egerton Street. The affordable homeownership project was completed by Habitat for Humanity London (HFHL) in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Libro Financial Group, Habitat's University of Western Ontario Club, Western Fair Association and Fanshawe College. The Western Fair Association, which was an $18,000 sponsor of the Habitat build, also hosted the dedication ceremony at their 'Paddock' building on the Western Fairgrounds.

One of the homeowners is a First Nations family representing the second Aboriginal build supported by Habitat Canada and CMHC; the second represents the first Youth Build Project supported through a Libro Community Grant Partnership. 

"We are thrilled to be here today celebrating the completion of the Egerton build, which will help two families realize their dreams of homeownership and help us reach our goal of ten families served in 2010," said Jeff Duncan, CEO, Habitat for Humanity London. "This build is only a reality because of the dedication and commitment of our generous partners, volunteers and donors. It is absolutely heartwarming to have witnessed this community unite to support us in this unique project."

"I would like to congratulate the families and Habitat London on this special occasion," said Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "The Government of Canada, through CMHC, is dedicated to working in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada and its affiliates to help address the challenges many families face in finding safe and affordable homes in London and across Canada."

CMHC's Ontario General Manager, Peter Friedmann shares MP Holder's sentiment. "Access to affordable homeownership is important to keeping low- and moderate-income households financially independent, while helping establish equity for their futures."

As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC has over 60 years of experience helping Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. For more than seven years, CMHC Ontario Region has supported Habitat through staff support and charitable activities. 

CMHC has supported this build with a $10,000 donation from staff charitable activities and its contribution through Habitat's Aboriginal Housing Program, providing a home to Delia Johns and Mike Smith and their four children, six year old twins, Hayden and Jada, three year old Sparrow and one year old Dallas. "This means more than just a house for me, my husband and children; it is a place to call home and grow old in," said Delia.

Each of the four-bedroom, 1320 square-foot, semi-detached, 'green' units will allow for a 30 per cent reduction in energy, water and natural resource usage that will provide the families with additional savings. "Housing means building homes for people and building lives," said London Mayor Joe Fontana. "I am so pleased to congratulate Habitat for Humanity London on ending 2010 on such a high note, making sure 2 more London families have homes before Christmas."

The semi-detached home is located at an east-end lot where a biker gang once operated a clubhouse. "As Chief of Police, it was incredible to witness Habitat for Humanity transform an outlaw motorcycle gang clubhouse into a property that now boasts two brand new homes for very deserving London families" said London Police Chief Brad Duncan.

Raul Hernandez and Maria Herrera, and their three children are recipients of the first Youth Build Project sponsored by Libro Financial Group, "We just want to thank God for helping us to acquire our home; a dream that has always been in our heart."

"Libro Financial Group was thrilled to select the Habitat for Humanity Youth Build as one of our 2010 Community Builder Grants for a total of $112,500," said Jack Smit, Libro President & CEO. "This project is special because it combined student leadership with contributions from the local community; when we achieve that kind of mutual success in our community, it's truly powerful," said Jack Smit, Libro President and CEO.

Libro Financial Group is a community credit union serving everyone who is open to a way of banking that puts their needs front and centre. Libro also recognizes the importance of supporting communities, especially youth. Every year Libro re-invests a portion of its profits in local communities. This year, Libro Financial Group partnered with Habitat's University of Western Ontario (UWO) Club to launch the first Habitat Youth Project, a three year commitment starting in 2010, establishing a sustainable build project engaging London's youth.

"Habitat for Humanity UWO is thrilled that one home of the Youth Build Project has been completed and the family will be moving in just in time for the holidays. We would especially like to thank Libro Financial for all of their support of the Youth Build Project," said Corey Bricks, President of UWO's Habitat Club leading the Youth Build Project initiative.

Fanshawe College students also worked in collaboration with HFHL to help build the semi-detached house. "Fanshawe College has enjoyed partnering with a Habitat for Humanity build. It is wonderful to be able to combine teaching, learning and the development of a skilled trade workforce with a valuable contribution to the community," said Dan Douglas, Chair, School of Technology, Fanshawe College. "On behalf of all of the students and faculty of Fanshawe College involved in this build, we thank you for this opportunity. We also wish all the best to the families as they take possession of their new homes."

Families who purchase homes from Habitat for Humanity are selected by HFHL and were based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program and their ability to repay a no-interest mortgage. Families also give 500 hours of volunteer labour or, "sweat equity," which helps to develop their personal commitment to their home and their community.

HFHL was established in 1993. Since then, HFHL has served 29 families. The Egerton Street builds bring that total to 31 low-income families served in the London region.