Manitobans to 'blitz build' 25 Habitat for Humanity homes in 6 days

The federal and Manitoba governments have provided $1.2 million to help Habitat for Humanity erect25 homes in a flash for families in need.

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba chapterCEO Sandy Hopkins said the organization will spend $6.5 million to build21 homes in Winnipeg, two in Portage la Prairie and two in Brandon during "blitz build week."Ten of the homes will go to Indigenous families.

The not-for-profit has built almost 400 homes in Manitoba since its inception, but it has never done what volunteers aresetting out to do this July, said Hopkins.

"We will have 500 people per day on site that week," Hopkins said,adding 400 will be buildingwhile the rest will be in support roles such as food and medical services. "By the time we finish on July the 14, these will look like houses."

The organization hopes to build 150 homes Canada-wide between July 9 to 14to mark 150 years since Confederation.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carterlong-time supporters of Habitat for Humanity are expected to take part on builds in Winnipeg and Edmonton.

Habitat for Humanity sellshomes to families who agree to put in500 hours of labour during the construction of the building and offers buyers zero per cent mortgages.