A local charity is planning to provide needy families with affordable housing in Devonshire by next year.

Larry Williams, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Bermuda, told The Royal Gazette the charity would break ground next month on four residential homes, with one or more expected to be completed by 2009.

"Our goal is to break ground next month or at the latest November," he said. "We have already received permission from the Department of Planning." He said the scheme has been made possible with the help of local banks.

The property due to be transformed into affordable housing is a derelict cottage in Devonshire, which has been loaned to Habitat for Humanity by Marcelle and Michael Clamens.

The couple inherited the property in 2007 but had no immediate use for it. Instead of putting it up for let, they approached Habitat with a project that would benefit both sides.

They proposed that the charity renovate the property in exchange for Habitat being allowed to house tenants there for 12 to 15 years.

Mrs. Clamens says she was motivated by the Extreme Makeover Home Edition show on TV and also by the growing housing crisis on the Island.

"I know about people living in the caves and living in their cars too," she said. "And they are hard working people, people that are working a nine to five and they still can't afford somewhere to live – so if that's not a crisis I don't know what is."

"My husband and I only wanted to do something with people that would appreciate it – and we know that Habitat would help us do that."

"In the long run I will be getting a brand new home and my kids will be getting a brand new home — there will also be people getting brand new apartments that are well maintained for a low price. It's a win-win situation."

Benevides Associates worked pro-bono to draw up renovation plans to turn the Clamens' one-storey cottage into a two bedroom cottage and studio apartment basement with two additional town houses.

Habitat volunteers have also done a significant amount of work on the property by clearing out trees, shrubbery and debris.

Mrs. Clamens said she was inspired by Habitat's work in the community. "To help out another human being — my husband and I really admire that."

Habitat for Humanity of Bermuda was established in 2000 and grew from a need for more adequate and affordable housing on the Island.

Its latest annual report reveals how it has helped put a safe roof over the heads of families in need on the Island.

In 2006, the organisation helped a family in Warwick whose home was deemed critically unsafe by providing them with tile, plumbing fixtures and door hardware. They are still helping the family to find funding and volunteers to continue the work.

Families assisted by Habitat rarely want "handouts" but more specifically a "hand-up" to get them back on their feet. And Mr. Williams believes these families are very grateful for any assistance they get.

"People are appreciative of what we try to do for them," he said. "It's an appreciation of the improvements that we are able to make in not only their homes but their lives and quality of life."

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to Habitat for Humanity can visit www.habitat.bm or contact Mr. Williams at ed.habitat@northrock.bm