Habitat for Humanity plans Nunavut “Midnight Sun” build June 23 in Apex

Habitat for Humanity’s “Midnight Sun” build will kick off at noon on June 23 with a barbeque and a live performance from Iqaluit-rockers the Jerry Cans on lot #3050 in Apex, shown here. (PHOTO BY DAVID MURPHY)

People who live in Iqaluit’s satellite community, Apex, will see a new house built there when Habitat for Humanity starts its “Midnight Sun” construction marathon June 23 and June 24.

The event will kick off at noon on Saturday with a barbeque and a live performance from Iqaluit-rockers the Jerry Cans on lot #3050, the site of the build.

When the house is completed, it will stand as an energy efficient three-bedroom single-family house on one level.

“At the top of the world, under the midnight sun, there is a desperate need for affordable housing,” says the Habitat for Humanity’s website. “In Nunavut, 49 per cent of dwellings were below housing standards — they were either inadequate and/or crowded.”

Habitat for Humanity builds homes through donated money and resources that allow underprivileged lower to middle class families live comfortably.

Families are selected to live in the new home through a rigorous screening process, and the family purchases the home through a Habitat mortgage, and must be able to pay it off.

The lucky family selected has to be in need of affordable housing, and they must also have a “willingness to partner with Habitat,” which includes “contributing 500 hours of volunteer labour towards the building of the home.”

“Habitat for Humanity builds homes and builds hope for families that want to be homeowners but need a hand up to achieve this goal,” said Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit board chair Glenn Cousins in an email to Nunatsiaq News.

It has been previously reported that the family must have a combined annual income of at least $90,000.

The family selected for the home will be announced at noon June 23.

Two houses have already been built by Habitat in Iqaluit in 2007 and 2009, but this time it will be a little smoother with experienced hands on deck.

“The big difference is that we will have an experienced builder as a site foreman this year. In the past, site supervision has been all volunteer,” said Cousins.

If you’re interested in volunteering on the weekend, it’s recommended that you bring your work boots and appropriate clothing, like safe footwear, eye wear, work gloves, and water.

“It is a unique opportunity for people to experience the midnight sun while doing something good for the community,” said Cousins, who also said there is a lot of interest in the project.

No building experience is necessary, but volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

The Iqaluit branch of Habitat wants to build 10 homes by 2020, a goal Cousins said was developed last year, but he couldn’t confirm if the organization is still on track to meet that objective.

To apply for a Habitat for Humanity house in the future, you must fill out an application form here.