International and VHFH announced funding for house #1 under the Lions International Application in Partnership” program. This program focuses on the provision of access designed housing for core need families that are impacted by disability challenges. Parents Mark and Elizabeth Andrews are deaf and Mark is also mute. They have four children. The Andrews’ and two other families were welcomed by the Family Selection Committee to VHFH house partnerships. 


A rental house on the property became our site office, first aid station, storage, tool crib and lunchroom. Donated kitchen appliances allow volunteer cooks to prepare our crew meals. Local excavating, building supply and concrete companies, our Victoria Habitat teams and Lions Club volunteers poured the house #1 foundation, a four-bedroom disability access design plan, on Oct. 9th. Working only on Thursdays and Saturdays with outstanding volunteer, business and corporate assistance, we were at lock up on Nov. 30th. An unusual stretch of winter weather gave us the window to have the exterior completed in early January 2003. On Dec. 29 we held a Christmas open house to celebrate our community partnerships. 

In January we welcomed the CFB Esquimalt-based, Pacific Naval Construction Troop (PNCT), a Canadian Forces professional trades unit, to assist on a weekly basis allowing us to accelerate the construction schedule. Interior electrical, plumbing, insulation and drywall boarding were completed by March, followed by cabinetry installation, flooring and final finishing in April. Our house #1 dedication ceremony of April 26th was generously complimented by the Lions Clubs announcement of their commitment to funding the house #4 build. This wonderful day was featured by CH TV and in the Times Colonist. 

On May 6th 2003, we began the construction of our next two homes, two story three-bedroom on slab designs. Coast Capital Foundation and Coast Capital Real Estate Division joint- funded the house #2 build, announcing a $50,000 commitment at a groundbreaking event May 23. Working five days a week with PNCT, HMCS crews, Lions Club, UVIC students, VHFH volunteers and the assistance of local businesses, contractors and charitable organizations such as the BC Real Estate Foundation the second house was at lock up phase on June 18th. Electrical and plumbing inspections were passed and soffits / gutters were installed by July 4th. Final finishing is being completed during September.

The foundation for house #3 was completed in May. With assistance from Canadian Forces personnel from the HMCS Algonquin, HMCS Protecteur and HMCS Winnipeg house #3 came to lock-up status on July 25 ’03. During the summer we have concentrated on the completion of house #2 and in making a second Application in Partnership with the Lions Clubs to fund and construct house #4 on lot five. Houses #3 and #4 were dedicated in Aug 2005.

House #3	House #4	Site of Duplex to be Built 2006

Fundraising Goals
Our fundraising goal for our Sidney Build is $700,000. We hope to realize this goal through grants, corporate and personal donations. Your support and sponsorship is important to help us realize our dream to provide six homes for six families in Sidney during the next year and a half.