Habitat for Humanity has turned the sod on its newest housing project set to be constructed in Mount Pearl.

The duplex, geared toward low-income families and located on Glendale Avenue, is expected to be completed sometime in 2026.

Sandra Whiffen of Habitat for Humanity says they’ve seen an increase in the number of people seeking housing assistance.

The charity is now building homes in both Mount Pearl and Grand Falls-Windsor.

“Our families will apply for the homes; they’re hardworking families and there’s no down payment. It makes it affordable and so that’s a big thing that a lot of families struggle with,” she told reporters in Mount Pearl.

“There’s a lot of people out there struggling to buy groceries, to pay rent. Rents are unaffordable so we’re making it affordable for families to own their own home.”