by Linda Quigley
I was surfing around the Federal and Provincial Government websites recently
and found a great site that might be of interest to everyone. Depending on your
personal situation, there are a number of rebates or refunds available. There
is a short, private questionnaire (you do not give your name or any information
that will identify you). After you fill out the questions, you will be linked
to different Federal and Provincial websites that offer information that may
be interesting to you. For example: Did you know that if you are Deaf you can
get over � the tax back that you paid when you buy a computer? Did you know
that if you are a single parent or a senior receiving GIC you may be eligible
for energy rebates from both the Provincial and Federal governments for 2006?
Here is an example:
Sales Tax Act Regulation
9 effective April 1, 1997
The Minister may authorize a rebate of an amount equal to 8/15 of the tax paid
pursuant to Part IX of the Excise Tax Act (Canada) by persons who are visually
impaired, hearing impaired or physically or mentally challenged, in respect
of computers used by those persons, in an amount not to exceed $300.
Rebate application forms can be obtained by contacting the refund/rebate section
at (902) 424 2850 or by emailing the Nova Scotia Tax Commission.
What is the website? http://canadabenefits.gc.ca/bfservicecanada.jsp?lang=en
Fill out the form to see what else you may be eligible to receive.
The Nova Scotia Government has announced a new energy rebate program for Nova
Scotians. If you have fuel delivered to your home, you will receive an automatic
8% reduction on your bill (equal to the cost of the GST). If you heat your home
with wood or pellets, you will have to apply for the 8% rebate.
For more information visit www.yourenergyrebate.ns.ca
by Linda Quigley
The Nova Scotia Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which builds new homes for
families who cannot afford to buy their own home, recently advertised on the
C100 Halifax radio station for low income families who want to own their own
home. What is Habitat for Humanity? It is an organization of volunteers that
build homes for low income families who are not able to get a mortgage from
the bank.
What do I have to do? Apply to become a homeowner. If accepted, you and your
family will be required to help build your new home along with volunteers from
the community.
Will I qualify to get a home?
Homeowner families are chosen based on the three criteria below:
1) A need for a decent, affordable house that cannot be met by traditional means
(do not own your own home now and cannot afford to buy one)
2) The ability to repay a noprofit, nointerest mortgage loan (same money as
rent payments)
3) The willingness to work in partnership with Habitat (must help build your
home) Can I decide where they will build my home? No. Habitat for Humanity builds
on land donated to the organization. For example, in 2006, Habitat Halifax will
be building three new homes on Broom Road in the Forrest Hills subdivision from
August 8September 30th.
Will I own the home and what do I have to pay?
You will become the owner of the home and you will be required to pay a noprofit,
nointerest loan for the home based on your income. This means you can own your
own home for the cost of what you are paying in rent now.
I don�t need a home but are there other ways I can become involved? YES YOU
CAN:
* volunteer to help build a home or to work in the new Habitat ReStore
* be a youth volunteer and help paint a home, do landscaping or babysit for
a family while they build their home
* Purchase or donate used building materials at the Habitat ReStore at 121 Ilsley
Avenue, Burnside
How do I apply for a home?
If your family is interested in applying to become a Habitat Homeowner, please
contact: Habitat for Humanity, HalifaxDartmouth
6331 Lady Hammond Road
Halifax, NS B3K 2S2.
Phone: (902) 4640274.
Email: alexishabitat@eastlink.ca
Website: http://habitat.ca/novascotiaaffiliatesp97.php
For more information: To donate products, please call 4640274, option 4.
To get involved on the ReStore or Demolition Committees, please contact Alexis
Ashworth at 4640274, option 3.
To volunteer, please contact 4640274, option 2.
If you know of any family that may be interested in a home, please pass this
information along.
If you are able to post a sign or invite a speaker to your church,
please contact the Family Selection
Committee:
Home Application Inquiries
Nova Scotia
Habitat for Humanity, Halifax Regional Municipality Association
Unit U, 121 Ilsley Avenue
Dartmouth, NS B3B 1S4
Tel: (902) 464-0274
Fax: (902) 464-0089
IF you would like assistance applying to Habitat or assistance getting
more information, please contact DAANS.
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