An area man’s wish to honour his late wife, and his commitment to his faith, have moved him to donate property to the Habitat for Humanity organization.
Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that began in the United States in 1976, with the idea of working with those in need to provide them safe, affordable housing.
Rosebud resident Albert N. Clark, who started the Akokiniskway golf course in 1991, received approval to subdivide a piece of residential property in Drumheller, in order to make his donation.
“We have this lot, and my wife passed away two years ago. Actually, it was Easter Sunday,” said Clark.
“I was hoping when I contacted Habitat for Humanity, we could start a chapter here in Drum. I think it’s a really good place for it. I like the way they work it. They concentrate on people who wouldn’t be able to supply a house otherwise. It’s usually families in need of a house.”
Clark said he’s always felt badly for young people starting out because of the large amount of a down payment required to purchase a home, and it seems to be becoming more difficult for people to secure their down payment.
That’s why he has always appreciated the work Habitat does, he said.
“They’re not only able to make a house for them, they’re able to make a home for them.”
Clark said his late wife Joan was a supporter of social issues, and was behind his idea to donate the land for housing a family.
The Clarks were able to celebrate more than 50 years of marriage before Joan’s passing.
Heidi Lambie with the Southern Alberta chapter of Habitat for Humanity, who has been working with Mr. Clark, said they hope to have the land transfer completed by the end of June.
She notes this type of land donation is rare - Habitat usually approaches the local government of the town or city it wishes to build a home in, with a request to donate the land.
“We were thrilled when he came forward. I know that means a lot to him and his wife’s legacy. We’re honoured to be part of that for him,” Lambie said.
Habitat home recipients are required to put in 500 hours of sweat equity, meaning they participate in the building of their home.
Lambie is hoping there is enough community interest and support in Drumheller to open a chapter of Habitat for Humanity in Drumheller.
The first Habitat home built in Canada was in 1985 in Manitoba.
