Habitat for Humanity Victoria Expands Impact: Launch of Critical Repairs Program will Rehabilitate Existing Affordable Homes
Habitat for Humanity Victoria is helping more families across our communities live in safe, stable homes by fixing affordable homes that have fallen into critical disrepair. The Critical Repairs program is an expansion of the charity’s mission, launched in response to profound community need, and after encountering increased barriers to building new housing in recent years – such as rising construction costs and limited availability of land.
While the Program reflects a new phase of growth for Habitat Victoria, the program is not a new idea, as Habitat Victoria got its start in the early 90’s doing critical repairs on derelict homes. After quietly piloting the program over the past six (6) months, Habitat Victoria is embracing this time-honored approach to serve households with limited financial means to extend the life and safety of their existing homes.
“Like many organizations, we’ve been asking how we can do more with less,” said Carmen Rempel, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Victoria. “How can we support more families and create safe, decent places to live in a challenging building environment? Critical Repairs is a powerful part of that answer.”
Through targeted investments, volunteer support, and community partnerships with local trades, Habitat Victoria is now able to complete essential repairs that significantly improve safety and livability. “This is about doing more with what we already have,” added Rempel, “It’s about strengthening homes, and strengthening our community.”
Habitat Victoria is now inviting the broader community to get involved through volunteering, and donating building materials, specialty skills or services that will help extend the number and complexity of Critical Repairs the program can provide. “We’ve already seen families move from feeling unsafe or discouraged in their homes to feeling secure and proud again,” Rempel observed. “That transformation is immediate and meaningful. Come join us as we work to ensure more local families can remain safely in the homes they love.”