The meeting was called to order by President Lyn at 7:07 am. 

President Lyn asked about any news of health of members.  Michelle spoke with Geoff at the Creekside Cafe and feels that he could use more one-on-one visits to maintain his health.

Twenty-five members in person and three on Zoom listened to Hazzem Koudsi described the current work of the local Habitat for Humanity (H for H) organization. His Source Development & Communications Manager,, Laura-Lee Bradie was in attendance. He said that the objective of H for H is to provide stable & affordable home ownership (not subsidized, not rental). It does that by arranging financing and through donations of construction materials, cash donations and volunteer labour.

Nationally, to date H for H has assisted 3,600 families including 215 through COVID. Locally since they have assisted 34 families since starting up in 1995. There is no question of the demand for affordable housing, not only to give shelter but 75% of Canadians surveyed believed that housing could solve a range of issues in our society. Locally, 4,620 homes are needed in the next 30 years.

The criterion for getting a H for H house is (a) to demonstrate the need, (b) 30% of their gross income is available to pay the mortgage and © a willingness to cooperate with Habitat and provide 500 hours of volunteer labour in building the house. When the duplex on Sidney Street, Belleville, was announced, there were 840 application for the two doors. To evaluate applications, Habitat has the facilities of VeriFacts to screen the applicant’s employment information.

Current projects are:

• 639/41 Sydney Street,Belleville - the families are moving in.
• 2 Bowery Street, Picton - the plans have been developed.
• 93 Dundas Street,Belleville - a 65 unit condo of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom units is being planned, including a daycare centre, and an activity centre. Demolition and abatement are planned for July-September. 

Other contributors to the operation include:

• The Restore outlet that receives major donations from furniture companies and sells them to the public and builders.
• Individual donations to the Restore.
• Volunteers donating their time, including companies and organizations doing team-building work parties.
• Cash donations that show on their financial statements published on their website for the last two years, at habitatpeh.org.

Club Business

Norm asked for volunteers to refurbish the Storybook stands at Lyn’s house tomorrow at 9:00 am.

Yvonne reported that the maple syrup bottling was completed yesterday and there are still 170 bottles to be sold.

Bill Pennell asked members for their opinion on the ticket price for the dinner/dance - $100 or $120 with a $20 tax receipt. There was little discussion but the opinions expressed were for $100 with the expectation that participants would probably spend at least the difference on 50:50 draws or other fundraisers at the event. 

David Hawkins’ name was drawn for our 50:50 but he did not draw the Ace.

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 We have only about 80 bottles remaining. 

At $20 for a 750 mL bottle of local maple syrup this is really a bargain. In addition all proceeds go back to the community. A win-win for all.

Thanks everyone for making this a success.

Yvonne

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