Presenter - Vivian Pengelly - June 17, 2013

Vivian Pengelly spoke to the club on Habitat for Humanity and outlined the Truth and Myths about Habitat so a few moments to review these items:

1.  Myth:  Habitat gives houses away to people on welfare.  Truth:  Habitat offers home ownership opportunities to carefully selected families through a no-down payment, no-interest mortgage.  These families would be unable to obtain conventional home mortgages. 
2. Myth:  Habitat homes reduce property values in a neighborhood.   Truth:  Lloydminster has had no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values, and, in fact, believe this can strengthen community spirit. 
3. Myrth:  Habitat allows people to move to plush new homes.   Truth:  Habitat houses are not extravagant by any standard.  They are a simply, decent home, built under Habitat’s house design criteria:  a typical 3-bedroom home is around 1,100. square feet.
4. Myth:  Habitat homeowners sell their homes and make a large profit because of gift in kind and cash donations.  Truth:  If the homeowner wants to sell, the entire original Fair Market Value of the home must be paid in full.  If the home value has appreciated, there will be an opportunity for the family to enjoy the appreciated price of their Habitat home to invest in their next home.
5. Myth:  Habitat has chapters.  Truth:  Habitat operates through locally run affiliates, rather than through chapters controlled by a broader organization. Habitat operates with a ‘covenant relationship’ with Habitat Canada

As President Les is a longtime volunteer, supporter and believer in Habitat for Humanity the evening concluded with an invitation to tour the new 7 unit complex, namely Forester Place on 45^th Avenue. (approximately 30 people took up the offer).  It was noted that the Lloydminster Rotary has been a contributor to Habitat for several years, with this year being our largest financial donation in the amount of $12,000.00