Yellowknife (Dec 15/06) - An organization dedicated to providing shelter to those in need is one step closer to finding a home in Yellowknife.

Habitat for Humanity, which provides support for people unable to afford their own houses, has established a board of directors in the city.

Garth Wallbridge, group founder: says it was time to bring program to Yellowknife.

Local businessman Garth Wallbridge is currently the founder of the organization in Yellowknife and the interim president.

"We decided it was time to start one up here," Wallbridge said of their reasoning behind the start-up.

Wallbridge explained the group would build houses for people who were working, but could not afford a house of their own.

These people would still have to take on a mortgage, Wallbridge said.

"The idea with Habitat for Humanity is quite simple: It's a hand-up and not a hand-out."

Wallbridge used past Habitat for Humanity jobs as an example; such as a man who loses his job due to an on the job accident and his wife does work, but they can't afford to purchase a house.

Through the program, applicants take their mortgage out through Habitat for Humanity.

"It's typically for people who could afford a house," said Wallbridge.

He is currently looking for Yellowknifers to come together and join the group and, "help us determine the criteria."

People in communities outside of Yellowknife have spoken to Wallbridge about the organization.

"We've already had some interest expressed in Behchoko."

Volunteers and donations are essential to the success of the organization, he said.

Wallbridge said examples of community support includes, businesses donating items that are overstocked (like tiles, flooring, or wood), as well as tradespeople volunteering their time. He's also considering other options, "Getting employers to promote the concept of volunteer days (to employees)."