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Habitat for Humanity MVI volunteers are sprucing up 651 Second St. in the coming weeks before the home is awarded to another family to get a break in the expensive housing market. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Habitat for Humanity

Non-profit to pick Nanaimo family for home ownership dream

Jul 7, 2026 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — A Habitat for Humanity home is in for a makeover along with a new family.

Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island (Habitat MVI) opened a month-long application process on Monday, July 6, for its home at 651 Second St., located near Fairview Elementary School.

With nineteen homes in Habitat MVI’s portfolio, interim executive director Sarah Bramley said their home include affordable monthly mortgage payments not exceeding 30 per cent of a family’s income.

“Home ownership can be a dream for many, and we’re hopeful to be able to bridge that gap for at least one family this summer,” Bramley told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Hopeful applicants can apply online (apply tab on top banner) or receive a hard copy at Habitat MVI’s ReStore at 4128 Mostar Rd., or the non-profit’s pop-up re-store in Nanaimo North Town Centre.

A selection committee will do a detailed review of the applicants, Bramley said, with the lucky family expected to be informed this fall.

Several conditions are required for successful Habitat MVI applicants, including demonstrating a need for safe and affordable housing, a willingness to advocate and support future Habitat families, as well as completing 500 volunteer hours.

Bramley said outdoor yard maintenance work is underway at the Second St. home, led by Habitat MVI volunteers.

“Then over the coming weeks, we will have groups of volunteers actively renovating the home, cleaning it up, getting it ready for our next Habitat family,” Bramley noted.

The 1,100 square foot home must include children.

“We are looking for a family that would suit three bedrooms, whether that’s a single parent or it’s a couple with children, all bedrooms need to be occupied.”

Bramley said Habitat for Humanity MVI is in discussions with civic officials in Nanaimo and Ladysmith to advance future Habitat homes.

As for an ambitious, first-of-its-kind Habitat MVI development in Nanaimo at 5915 Metral Dr., Bramley said they had to delay an envisioned 25-unit townhouse project due to funding constraints.

She said a multitude of options are being examined to proceed with the multi-family build at some point in the future.

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