Habitat for Humanity is reeling after a series of thefts and vandalism at their new project in east Guelph.
There have been five incidents of theft and vandalism over the past 18 months, the most recent a week or so ago when vandals cut wires in 12 of the 20 homes being constructed on Cityview Drive South.
"Everybody loses in this scenario," said Steve Howard, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph.
"The community loses, families going into the homes lose and the board loses," Howard said.
Howard estimates the cost of the vandalism and theft at $20,000, but says that's more like $80,000 when you take into account how the charitable organization leverages each dollar.
"Basically every dollar we get is leveraged to make it $4 eventually," Howard said, referring to buying power, volunteer work and the fact that revenue from built homes is used to finance other projects.
The site did not have security guards before the last incident, "but we do now," Howard said.
The incidents have delayed the projects, which delays the families being able to move into the homes.
Howard also pointed out that the money lost came through donations and Habitat for Humanity can't very well go back to the same donors seeking the same money again.
He said the recent vandalism was the most frustrating because it was pointless.
"This is a social injustice, not a crime against an organization, an individual or a corporation," Howard said.
