The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity is off to a great start, growing quickly since its genesis in January.

This month alone two lots have been unveiled which will be the future locations of Habitat homes in both Morden and Winkler. To reach this goal, business leaders were invited for an information luncheon on Thursday.

Christina Falk Secretary and PR Chair for Winkler/Morden Habitat for Humanity says the lunch was an opportunity to share how the organization functions and how business can partner with them through monetary donations or gifts in kind.

"Say a business would like to donate all the drywall for our homes that would be a gift in kind. As well it could be a donation of labour, maybe an electrician wants to do all the electric work?"

Habitat for Humanity is an opportunity to help hard-working families with a hand up giving them a home they would not be able to afford normally. The houses are sold at market value to the families with a interest-free mortgage, their monthly payments are 27 percent of their monthly income.

Being able to provide a home for a family is one way to give back to the world says Dave Wall, a Winnipeg business owner formerly from Plum Coulee.

"There are so many places to give but Habitat has a little bit of an appeal. It gets everyone in your company involved, everyone in your family involved and you get to go volunteer."

Dave Wall says assisting Habitat is one way he can give back.

Wall says they have a number of contractors based in this area and it felt right to get involved.

"We have missionaries, we support things all around the world, why not help people here in our own backyard?"

Donations can be offered online at the Habitat for Humanity website. The local habitat is also holding their first fundraiser on June 16th at Paddlefest with a Beach Boat Build. Registration can be done at wmhabitatfundraising@gmail.com.

Applications are currently being accepted to determine who is eligible for a Habitat home. Applications can be sent to Kevin Hildebrand Chair of the family selection committee at wmhabitatfs@gmail.com.

Members of the Winkler/Morden Habitat For Humanity Board: Martin Neufeld, Naomi Peters, Duane Falk, Christina Falk, Leah Klassen, Sue Nelson, Dean Stein, Lois Hildebrand, James Hildebrand, Alvin Krahn, and Bert Warms.