Nice home on a quiet street is a dream for many people

And, for those working to keep food and shelter available to their families, that's all it is. Habitat for Humanity Huronia wants to give two local families a true place to call home through its latest house-building project that kicked off on the weekend.

"We're looking for more applicants, so we're really encouraging families to apply for these homes," said Melody Edwards, Habitat's executive director. "This will be our 31st and 32nd homes built, and we're pretty excited about that. It's quite a milestone to build more than 30 homes in 15 years for families who needed the hand-up, not a hand-out. "

Two semi-detached homes will be constructed at 46 Sandford St., near Victoria Street. A sod turning took place Saturday, with Habitat and City of Barrie officials on-hand to dig their shovels in the dirt.

The land will soon sport two single-family homes, each offering three bedrooms and a decent-sized property, Edwards said. "It's such a beautiful lot they're going to be on," she said. "It's going to take us until Christmas to build these homes and it'll be really wonderful to see two more families come home."

The homes are intended for families who would not otherwise be in a position to own their own home. But, as always, chosen families aren't just handed a house for free.

They are to put in 500 sweat-equity hours on the construction of the home, and must pay an interest-free mortgage fixed for 20 years. Monthly tax and mortgage payments don't exceed more than 25% of the family's gross income. But before two lucky families can call their new houses home, the building must begin. And Habitat for Humanity Huronia once again needs the community's help in making that happen.

"We'd love to have a major build sponsor very soon. That means sponsorship of $25,000 or more," Edwards said. "We're also encouraging the donation of any gifts-in-kind." The organization has already received donations of free excavating, consulting and surveying of the property.

Edwards said no matter how many houses it builds, Habitat can always count on public support each time. "The momentum hasn't slowed down at all. We have new people come out to help us every time," she said. "It's really wonderful for a community to help bring families home."