Habitat for Humanity responds to call for housing after Fort McMurray's wildfire

Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo is coming to the aid of wildfire victims after a surge of requests for help.

The group is joiningfour othersto help uninsured or underinsured homeowners whose homes were damaged or destroyed in May's wildfire.

"Thestatus of home ownershipis so crucial to so many things stability wise," said CrystalLewis-Wilton, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo.

"We really felt that it was necessary to help these families rather than going back into a rental market or potentially going into bankruptcy."

• Fort McMurray residents claim 'nightmare' dealing with insurance
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May's wildfire destroyed over 2,400 homes in Fort McMurray. But many houses that weren't destroyed were damaged byheat, smoke and water.

Seven months after the wildfire,policyholders are still battling insurance companies overrepairs to their homes.

While Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffaloreceivesabout 15 to 20applications annually, this year it has received 120 applications sincethe fire.

Because of the demand, Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo, the Mennonite Disaster Service, Samaritan's Purse and FuseSocial have formed the organizationNGOs Supporting Uninsured and Underinsured Residents (NSUR).

In addition to helping people with construction,the groups arehelping residents who are insured and have made little progress.

"With the underinsured, our focus is helping to connect those people with some third party consulting-wise, who can review their policy, help them understand if there's anyone else they can potentially get out of their policy,"Lewis-Wiltonsaid.

In some cases, NSUR won't rebuild homes but will provide free or discounted materialslabour.

Six months later: A drive around a fire ravaged community rebuilding

8 years ago

Duration 0:38

Take a drive with CBC reporter David Thurton as he tours Waterways. Mays wildfire destroyed over 300 homes in this Fort McMurray community.

Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo is in the process of constructing a home in the Fort McMurray subdivision of Waterways, the areahit hardest by the wildfire.

It might be the first home up in the communitywhen construction is complete in January.

Follow David Thurton, CBC'sFort McMurraycorrespondent, onFacebook,Twitteror contact him viaemail.