About Us
Building Homes. Building Hope.
A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out
Habitat for Humanity best achieves its mission through its Homeownership Program which helps individuals and families in financially vulnerable situations build and buy quality affordable homes by reducing barriers to homeownership. Habitat for Humanity homes are sold with:
- No down-payment
- No-interest mortgages
- Payments set at 30% of gross income or less (including principal, property tax and insurances); and
- Homeowner training and support services
This program ensures affordable housing while building equity for the future and contributing back to the community. In order to qualify for this program homebuyers must be able to demonstrate their need, be able to carry a mortgage, and contribute a minimum of 500 hours of "sweat equity" into building their own home or providing other assistance to Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity reduces the cost of new homes by using modest designs, donated materials, volunteer labour, minimal marketing expenses and by reinvesting all mortgage payments received by homeowners back into the program, thus helping more families in the future.
What is a "Gift in Kind" Donation?
Donations need not be restricted to volunteer work or a monetary donation.
The ReStore and the Building Program gladly accept building materials and other items. Print services, office equipment, photocopier supplies, postage, paper, etc. are all welcome "gifts in kind".
For builds, think of what it takes to keep 400 to 600 volunteers, nourished, watered and content. Bottled water, juice boxes, non-perishable snacks, like pretzels, cookies and granola bars are always in demand. Toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels and sunscreen are all typical items in need.
The ReStore relies on donations of materials, such as doors, paint, lumber, flooring, kitchen and bath sinks and faucets, windows, washers and dryers, and so much more! Anyone removing a set of kitchen cabinets that are in good salable condition please call the ReStore - pick-up is available.
Mission, Vision and Values
Vision:
A world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.
Mission:
To mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Values:
Housing for All - We believe that access to safe, decent and affordable housing is a basic human right that should be available to all.Human Dignity - We believe in the worth and dignity of every human being. We respect the people we serve and those that help us in this effort and recognize them as our greatest resource.
Partnership - We believe we can best achieve our mission through meaningful and mutually-beneficial partnerships with others.
Faith in Action - We believe that faith is lived through action. Building on our Christian foundation, we serve and work with people of all faiths and beliefs in a spirit of justice and compassion.
Diversity and Inclusiveness - We believe there is a role for everyone committed to our vision, mission and values and we seek to enrich our organization through diversity.