Evergreen Habitat to build 10th, final McKibbin Commons home

Evergreen Habitat for Humanity is gearing up to build its 10th and final home at McKibbin Commons, a subdivision in the Father Blanchet Park neighborhood.

The nonprofit, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, announced Thursday that it would partner with the American Forest Resource Council to build the home for the Hpauyam family.

“Every day, we see firsthand the critical role decent housing plays in creating positive outcomes in people’s lives and in communities,” Josh Townsley, executive director of Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, said in a news release. “We are honored to partner with AFRC and see their dedication to our work because they believe in a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We look forward to working together to build a safe and secure place for the Hpauyam family to grow, be healthy, and thrive.”

American Forest Resource Council, a Portland-based trade association, will provide locally manufactured lumber and wood products, cash donations and volunteer labor to help construct the home.

“Our vision is simple: let’s get to work restoring the health of our at-risk national forests, convert hazardous fuels and wood into lumber and other sustainable wood products, and utilize carbon-friendly material to help solve environmental and social challenges like climate change and the housing crisis,” Travis Joseph, council president, said in a news release. “We’re part of the solution, and we could not be more honored or thrilled to apply our vision and passion to build a home for the Hpauyam family.”

Brangmai and Merry Hpauyam relocated to Vancouver from Myanmar five years ago through the federal Refugee Resettlement Program, a selective program for people unable to return to their home countries due to persecution based on race, religion, nationality or membership to a particular social group. The Hpauyams will contribute 500 hours of sweat equity — including helping construct their home and other Habitat homes and taking homeowner education courses — before purchasing their home.