The first steps have begun on a volunteer project that will put a Yorkton family into a new home by next spring.

Habitat for Humanity Yorkton now has final plans and a site under preparation for an 1,800 square foot bi-level dwelling for the Nesbitt/Pelletier family, the second Habitat family selected by the local non-profit group.

A property at 13 Elizabeth Avenue has been provided by the City of Yorkton as a build site.

“They continue to partner with us on our projects, which is wonderful,” says Merv Catchuk, construction supervisor of Habitat for Humanity Yorkton.

The Nesbitts/Pelletiers are a family of seven chosen on the basis of their “significant need” and “strong character.” The Elizabeth Avenue site seems to be perfect for them, says Catchuk.

“It’s within walking distance of where mom and dad work. It’s close to Columbia School where the kids are going.”

Last week, Ross Slater of R & H Backhoe Services demolished the existing house on the property and hauled away the debris. Like most of the contractors involved with Habitat

for Humanity, R & H Backhoe does the work on a volunteer basis.

“We’re doing our bit for society, I guess,” Slater says. “Society is good to us some days, so we’ll do our share.”

Suppliers, churches, service clubs, contractors, and citizens all contributed to the previous Habitat build, and Catchuk says the organization is already receiving a similar response this year.

The Habitat family must also do its fair share. Members of the family will put in at least 500 hours of labor during construction and later pay off a 25-year interest-free mortgage.

Although the Elizabeth house will be the organization’s focus for the next several months, a second project is also in its early stages. Habitat for Humanity has purchased a house on Brody Avenue—salvaged after last summer’s flood—and moved it to the corner of Dunlop Street and Betts Avenue, where it will be restored over winter for an as-yet undecided family.

Basements will be dug for both homes within the next few weeks.