Pierre de Villiers, president of HFHGL, tells GlobeSt.com, "Yes, we do plan to construct three duplexes on Charles Street and this entire project will be funded by HFHGL. We have already applied for, and been granted a $45,000 HUD fund grant to be applied toward the cost of the 'infrastructure.' Although this particular grant is being administered through the international office, each affiliate is responsible for raising the necessary money for its projects and we had to make application for the money on our own auspices."

While the grant will cover much of the cost, there is still a need for more funding. "We are in the process of applying for other grants," de Villiers adds, "and we are seeking large corporate donations."

Habitat for Humanity at large will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in September, about the time when work may begin on Charles Street. "We do not have an exact start date at this stage," de Villiers explains. "It all depends on a lot of paperwork. However, under the terms of the aforementioned grant, we have to complete at least five of the units by September 2003--a daunting task for an organization that has typically taken 18 months to finish a home."