Habitat for Humanity BOP is a local organisation that works in partnership with people of goodwill and families in need to provide safe, warm and secure housing.

Avish and Rincy Joseph and their three children recently moved in to a brand new home in Gate Pa, Tauranga. They took with them personalised blankets made especially for them by the Omokoroa Knitting club.

Habitat BOP has built 75 homes for families in need during the last 25 years. It relies on donations and support from the community and businesses to continue their Christian, not-for-profit work.

This was an important day, not just for the family who can now call this new house their home, but for the whole Bay of Plenty community.

The construction of the house symbolises a strong community and business spirit and offers encouragement for the whole region.

The Joseph family, like other families who move into these Habitat for Humanity houses, become 'partner families'. They are called 'partner families' because the houses are built not just for them, but also with their sweat equity hours to build their own home or another Habitat home for others in their communities.

Habitat BOP and the family would like to thank the many volunteers, supporters and local businesses who have assisted with this project, says one of the founders and director of 25 years, Jim Dowman.

'Without the kindness and goodwill of the volunteers and supporters, it simply would not have been possible to complete this home for the Joseph family and the number of other projects we are actively involved in to house families in need.”

The Habitat Assisted Home Ownership programme is not a give-away programme. Once their home is complete the partner family makes affordable regular repayments to Habitat at a no-profit basis. The Habitat rent-then-buy model helps families build up a deposit which they can use when seeking independent finance and buy their home from Habitat. The funds are then reinvested by Habitat in assisting further families in need.

To volunteer, donate goods or services, or enquire about the application process for a Habitat BOP home please telephone 07 571 5052.