Habitat

Keith was among the first few who helped bring Habitat for Humanity to Prince Edward Island. There was a group of five people who met for over a year to work out how to accomplish this. Keith was very determined and his experience and knowledge of the Island and construction was essential to getting the organization off the ground. Two other members were Jim Wicks and Rev. Henry Tye. Keith helped in the group’s attempt to obtain land in the city of Charlottetown by knowing the right people to approach – they were able to get land on Lilac Ave. The first house was designed in approximately 2000 and Janet Dawson is still living there, “what a difference it made”.

Keith knew how to access people and who should be approached. Keith designed the first few homes and the group used his name on many occasions when it was talking with contractors and building supply companies. Keith understood the need for affordable housing on PEI and was very determined to do what he could to alleviate that problem. I can say for all of us on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity PEI at that time, it was a pleasure to work with such a dedicated man. In February 2000 Keith was presented with a recognition plaque “For Your Dedicated Service as a Founder, Director and Life Member”.

Habitat-PEI built homes for 60 families within 20 years.

Here are some facts about Habitat for Humanity Canada. It was founded in 1985. It's a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. It's the umbrella organization for the local P.E.I. chapter, Habitat-Queens, which had its first meeting in October, 1995. It works in partnership with people to improve the conditions in which they live. It challenges people of compassion to provide the initial capital -through gifts and no-interest loans- to build or renovate homes for the inadequately sheltered. It recycles the no-interest, long-term mortgages to build more houses. It asks that future homeowners contribute 500 hours of volunteer labor as a down payment. - It has overseen the construction of more than 200 homes across Canada.