Sutton Group Seafair Realty in Richmond, B.C. is donating a minimum of $5,000, plus the skills and time of sales reps and staff to help build six houses with mortgage-helper suites. They will work alongside the families who commit to contributing 500 hours of “sweat equity”.  For the first time, the new owners will have the option to obtain trade apprenticeship training to increase job prospects in the construction industry.

“Our team consists of 12 to 16 Sutton Group – Seafair Realty members who will work on all aspects of this Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver project from electrical, to painting to landscaping, depending on the progress of the build,” says sales rep Diana Dickey.

Sales rep Marina Russell says, “At the end of the day it’s about giving back to the community through multiple facets.  Habitat for Humanity is the perfect vehicle allowing us to do this on a multi-tier level.”

Recently, the B.C. government finalized the transfer of 25,091 square feet of land at 8180 Ash St. in Richmond to Habitat for Humanity for six single-family homes with rental suites.  All 12 families who eventually live there will fit the selection criteria and benefit from affordable monthly payments, indexed to 30 per cent of household income.