Armed with over $580,000 in recent provincial funding, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is seeking members of the public interested in joining an emergency response team.
The team would respond to disasters, including floods, fires, and other emergencies, strengthening not only local readiness. Eventually, the team will be deployed as part of the Ontario Corps whenever communities are in need.
The pilot project would be part of Habitat for Humanity's new Repair Revolution Program.
"This is about building more than homes. We're building community resilience," said Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex CEO Fiona Coughlin. "We've seen the devastating impacts of floods, fires, and extreme weather. Now, we're preparing trained teams of volunteers to help families recover faster, safer, and with dignity."
Fifty core volunteers and six team leaders will gain hands-on experience with water damage restoration, mould and smoke remediation, safe demolition and rebuilding, CPR and first aid, and disaster preparedness.
The funding from the Ontario government will fully equip a mobile emergency response unit, complete with tools, personal protective equipment, generators, water pumps and communication equipment.
There's a volunteer open house on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Habitat Restore on Edinborough Street.
