Rotarian Ed Keith introduced Kevin Perry from Habitat for Humanity.
Kevin had previously worked 26 years for Irving and seven years for the Northrup Group. Kevin has done volunteer work for a variety of organizations and, more recently, became the CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Saint John.
Kevin Perry gave an informative talk about the work of Habitat for Humanity in the southern part of New Brunswick. Presently their work extends from Saint John to St. Stephen; however, Kevin’s hopes to expand into the Sussex region.
The goal of Habitat for Humanity is to provide affordable housing to hard-working families who are struggling and unable to purchase their own homes and presently live in social housing...
Habitat owns the house but expects that the family members provide 500 hours of sweat equity. Materials are donated, reused, and local companies are utilized to foster community involvement and buy locally.
Families receive a no-interest, no down payment mortgages with monthly payments that do not exceed 30% of their gross salary. Partner families’ mortgage payments go into a revolving fund reinvested into the community, and the money is used to build more homes for low-income families.
Their ReStores cover administrative and operating costs for the organization. There is a store in Saint John where people can donate building supplies and then these materials sold to the public.
Rotarian Rhonda Haynes thanked Kevin.