Habitat for Humanity hopes to start Amherstburg build this fall

A rendering shows what the new units Habitat for Humanity is planning to build on Middle Side Road will look like.

A new Habitat for Humanity build will be taking place in Amherstburg with the hope of starting construction in the fall.

Habitat for Humanity CEO Fiona Coughlin said 18 new units are coming to town, to be located on Middle Side Road (County Road 10) east of the Golfview subdivision, and she added they are trying to get the word out about the upcoming build.

“We’re doing another build in Amherstburg,” said Coughlin. “We’re also looking for local families to apply for Habitat homes, so they can get into the housing market, build equity and have a better future for their kids.”

The duplexes will feature individual units that are 1,000 square feet each, with a basement. They are going to be raised ranch style, similar to other Habitat for Humanity builds across Windsor-Essex County.

A site plan for how the proposed new Habitat for Humanity build on Middle Side Road would look like, when construction

“These are going to be great places to live,” she said. “It’s a cost-effective design for families.”

Coughlin said they are returning to Amherstburg because of a need for housing in the community. She pointed out she has ties to the town as she used to live here and her mother still does.

“Amherstburg is a lovely community,” said Coughlin. “Amherstburg always has a bit of my heart. ”Families are having a difficult time getting into the housing market, she added, and many young people can’t as well. Many are having difficulty saving enough for a down payment due to other expenses, so the Habitat homes could be another avenue for them to pursue. 

“We want to create a pathway for home ownership,” said Coughlin.

The process has been about 18 months in the making and Habitat for Humanity is reaching out into the community trying to circulate the news of the new build. She said the process to vet families takes about one year, as people can visit www.habitatwindsor.org to fill out an expression of interest. For those who are chosen to advance, they would then fill out a full application, with interviews, home visits, criminal records checks and more part of the process.

“I often describe it as being much like adopting a house,” she said.

People also have to spend 500 volunteer hours helping to construct their homes.

“We know this is a real opportunity to transform lives for families,” said Coughlin. “We want hard working families to apply.”

The minimum income is $45,000 per year and the maximum income is $135,000 per year.

Construction could start in the fall, but Coughlin noted the economy is challenging right now and costs are rising. That could cause delays as to when construction could begin. The build is being done in partnership with A-Linx and Amico.

Coughlin also asks that people shop at and donate to the Habitat Re-Store in Windsor.

“That’s our lifeblood,” she said. “That keeps us going.”

Habitat for Humanity hopes to start Amherstburg build this fall

By Ron Giofu