Flying Dust announces partnership with Habitat for Humanity
- EFN Staff | October 09, 2014
History was made in Toronto recently as Flying Dust First Nation Chief Robert Merasty placed his hand on an LCD screen that sounded a siren to officially open the Toronto Stock Exchange. Chief Merasty was there to celebrate World Habitat Day and to announce a historic partnership with Habitat for Humanity to build an elders lodge in his First Nation.
“Having the chance to ring that bell to open the market made me really proud of our community and what it means for our Elders,” said Chief Merasty.
This will be the first Habitat For Humanity build on First Nation land and will see construction of a 10-Unit Lodge to provide housing to Elders of Flying Dust First Nation as well as retrofit the vacated, underutilized homes to enable young families to realize their dreams of homeownership.
Chief Merasty and his Council had been wracking their brains on how to provide better services to their elders but the issue is fraught with roadblocks. “Funding is really tight and we didn’t have two nickels to rub together in terms of finding a way to meet their needs. Our elders were saying they needed a lodge and really, it was up to the community to find a solution,” said Chief Merasty. “I was at a conference in Toronto and someone suggested meeting with Habitat for Humanity. So he set it up and I met Jay Thakar their National Manager of the Aboriginal Housing Program. We sat down and I said I know that your mandate is single family dwellings. But we have an emerging need with taking care of our Elders. I asked if we can build this $1.4 mill project with ten units and a 2500 square foot common area for our elders. They were excited right away.”
The integrated build project represents a cost effective and efficient model that could bring transformative change for many First Nations across Canada where the demand for housing is outstripping resources. Not only will the partnership provide homes for Flying Dust First Nation Elders and young families, it will also leave a legacy of skills and community spirit. There will be opportunities for youth to get training and skills in building, enhanced awareness on maintaining and managing homes, well built homes and enhanced community pride.
“I think this will be a good thing for the elders,” said elder Betty Matchee. She is quite independent and likes her own little corner as she says, but she realizes the value for elders to have a lodge. “Some of the housing is getting run down and this lodge can bring the elders closer together where they can visit,” said Matchee. “The elders can keep an eye on each other and they don’t have to worry about snow removal or yard work. I hope the youth come and visit the elders.”
Habitat for Humanity Canada’s Aboriginal Housing Program began in 2007. Aboriginal families living in rural and urban areas have been the primary recipients of safe, decent and affordable Habitat homes. But since signing an agreement with the Assembly of First Nations in 2011, Habitat for Humanity has also been working with Aboriginal communities to find ways to serve families living on settlements and reserves, while respecting the unique land regime challenges associated with traditional territories.
“Habitat’s Aboriginal Housing Program has made significant strides under the leadership of Habitat for Humanity Canada’s Aboriginal Housing Program Manager, Jay Thakar,” said Vivian Pengelly, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Lloydminster. “Habitat Lloydminster is incredibly proud to partner with Flying Dust First Nation to address housing needs on First Nation land.”
The project will be funded in most part from the Bands trust, but because of the partnership and unique building, there will be other savings. “Habitat for Humanity brings to the table the profile and credibility in terms of a big project and they have the administrative expertise to bring together our volunteers and fundraiser and procurement committees that we need to form,” said Chief Merasty. He also pointed out that having the elders all together will save them money in heating, water and electricity as well as allow for more efficient delivery of health services. “The best part of working with the Habitat people is the synergy and enthusiasm. This project is bringing the community together to meet the needs of our elders. This is about our Elders. We are saying we are going to take care of you. Don’t worry. This lodge will be more than just a building. This builds community engagement and pride.”